Dan Palagyi was born in Lewistown MT and raised in nearby Roundup. He became interested in art at an early age when he spent most of his time drawing pictures during math class in grade school. While enrolled at Montana State University he took a beginning painting class as an elective. He felt an immediate connection to painting and soon changed his field of study to fine arts.

In 1998 Palagyi moved away from Bozeman to Portland OR. In Portland, Dan found the source of influence for his current work. The numerous strip clubs in the city provided him with opportunities to sketch the dancers. These movement studies became a catalyst for change. The lines which represented the human form in his sketch books were showing up in his paintings; without the figurative emphasis. Dan also began collaborating with other artists on performance pieces. Several projects followed: including collaborations with musicians, video artists and dancers. The sense of movement and rhythm in his work echoes back to these times.

Palagyi’s current work draws it’s inspiration from internal and external stimulus. “Painting is an emotional response to a particular moment in time, and any collective memories which linger in the mind. I also find inspiration from observation; one never knows what ordinary events or objects may spark a new idea.”

Dan has shown his work throughout the northwest including the Charlie White Gallery in Portland OR, the Missoula Art Museum’s inaugural Montana Triennial, The Yellowstone Art Museum’s Art Auction and the Walking Man Gallery in Whitefish MT. Currently his work can be seen at the Prodigal Gallery in Billings. Next May, Dan will show at the Zoot Gallery in Bozeman.