Ian Daniell, born Sunderland, UK, 1986, is a British artist living and working in Western Australia. Daniell trained at University of the Arts London, studying Foundation at Chelsea College, 2006 - ‘07, before graduating with Bachelor of Arts Honours, Camberwell College, 2010. 

Practicing painting and sculpture in London until 2018, the artist produced two solo exhibitions and participated in several group shows. Work from this period was selected for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and nominated for the Threadneedle Sculpture Prize. During this time, Daniell amassed a wealth of experience as an art technician and project manager. Amongst others, the artist produced work for; Sir Anish Kapoor, Chisenhale Gallery and the British Museum. 

In 2018, Daniell prioritised the realisation of a recurring dream he’d been having for over a decade: witnessing killer whales in the wild. This vision eventually materialised in Western Australia, where the artist, elated, also went on to discover the magical world of the Ningaloo Reef. Awe-struck by his discoveries in Western Australia, the artist has based his life and practice in WA since 2019. 

Daniell’s practice, Life-Size Ocean Art, is a celebration of marine life and an ode to encounters in the wild; snorkelling, diving and whale watching. Iconic marine species presented in emblematic form and bright block colours, at 1:1 scale. 

Since 2021, works that span painting, print and sculpture have resulted in four solo exhibitions and multiple group shows. A keen eye for scientific accuracy and advocacy for marine conservation, has resulted in several collaborations between the artist and marine scientists, such as public conversations, art workshops and mural projects. The artist’s 2022 work Krill now features as part of the permanent collection at Western Australian Museum | Boola Bardip. 

Having lived in Margaret River for six years, a period in which the artist opened his own gallery space,  Daniell’s life and practice is now based in Fremantle and Perth.