Through my creative practice I dream of utopia for the transgender community. I submerge my community into a time of old master paintings where I recognize the our existence and where I remedy the erasure of transgender people. My paintings are assembled out of admiration, community, queer future, and nonconformity. I create a cover of protection and gratitude for myself and others in our community for the struggles we have all lived through.

I utilize traditional oil painting techniques in my practice as the soft painterly style visually represents the realistic emotional experience of a community.

In my world building, narrow definitions of sexuality and gender are not the expected standards. I want us to live without having to push against perceptions that don’t validate our choices or our existence. 

I am so grateful for the generous permission of my friends to use their voices and images in honoring our collective worth.

Daniel Sundberg a transmasc artist, who works primarily in oil paint with stylistic tendencies towards portraiture with a classical painterly style. Known for his layered oil paintings that capture the existence of his community.  Based in Portland, raised in San Diego, CA.

His art is inspired from and for the Transgender community. He works to illustrate the power and beauty that his community holds. Daniel’s work is influenced by José Esteban Muñoz, Nan Goldin and Juliette Aristides. His artistic references are John Singer Sargent and Wladyslaw Czachorski and Artemisia Gentileschi.

Daniel Sundberg received his Masters of Fine Arts in Visual Studies at the Pacific North West College of Art. His work has been featured in group exhibitions in Flagstaff, Arizona; and Portland ,Oregon. In January to August of 2025 his series a Queer Opulent Utopia will be presented in MFANW’s show subject in Umpqua Valley Arts , Chehalem Cultural Center, Pendleton Center for the Arts and Newport Visual Arts Center.