Danny Thach

Danny Thach (b. 1986) is a multidisciplinary artist who joined NIAD Art Center in 2008. His practice ranges from printmaking and painting to ceramics and fiber art. In his recent work, Thach challenges existing systems of categorization by integrating his own personal associations: chart-topping songs are paired with Crayola color charts; California highway markers are altered with the names of studio staff; years are attached to inanimate objects; and local business logos are emblazoned with obscure sitcom quotes. With mechanical precision, Thach hand-letters these hybrid phrases onto screens, which he then prints on paper or wearable items.

Thach has also spent years producing studied and stylized homages to his favorite artist, Keith Haring. Thach’s versions closely match and remix elements from famed works by the iconic pop artist, thus expanding upon a legacy of social activism that aims to dismantle systems of oppression. 

Danny Thach has had solo exhibitions at White Columns in New York, NY (2016), as well as at NIAD Art Center in Richmond, CA (2016, 2023). He has participated in numerous group exhibitions around the Bay Area, including those at Casemore Gallery, Narrative Gallery, the OMCA, and Chico Art Center. His work is held in the permanent collections of the Regional Center for the East Bay, Contra Costa Health Foundation, and the Oakland Museum of California.

Danny Thach is a versatile artist stylistically and materially.

A meticulous draftsman, his process is precise and methodical. He shares that he works in pencil first and paint second when working on a canvas painting. Screen printing is a focal point for Thach’s attention to detail, a process he uses to create his handmade t-shirts.

Thach has been a prolific artist since childhood and has used internet searches and resources to feed into his work at NIAD. Keith Haring, the Nintendo character Yoshi, ducks and the Spanish national flag are significant touchstones recurring throughout Thach’s body of work. He often depicts cityscapes, but shares that he prefers country scenes.

Thach ascribes NIAD community members colors and years within his drawing practice as a means of connection.