Saint Cloche takes great pleasure in revealing Australian multi-media artist, Daniel O’Toole, whose work spans the mediums of painting, video, sound, and installation. Daniel blurs the boundaries between disciplines yet strives to unify and synchronise the different aspects of his practice.

‘EYE MUSIC’ represents two different sensory modes of communication; visual works and sound works – the ‘viewing’ and ‘hearing’ of which is an interconnected and active encounter, rather than a passive, lifeless receiving.

"Eye music is another term for Graphic notation which dates to around the 15th Century with the piece ‘Belle, bonne, sage’, by Renaissance composer Baude Cordier being one of the earliest known versions of this abstract visual mode of notating music, which was written in the shape of a heart; intended to enhance the meaning of the song.

Using forms found within traditional sheet music and reflecting on the traditions of Eye music, and Indeterminacy (pioneered by John Cage), I have looked to the common structures, and geometric components of notation to form a system of drawing that is playful and improvised as music is, yet organised in a way that relates to the rhythmic foundations of music.

Grids of circles within circles, orientated with horizontal spaces to imply a linear reading of the ‘notes’ these works are simplified, organised sets of colour studies.

Each circle becomes its own harmonic segment or chord, made up of different frequencies that harmonise and interact. They form part of a whole image which is pattern-like, yet organic."

– Daniel O’Toole

Daniel O’Toole, born in Sydney, Australia in 1984, is a Naarm (Melbourne)-based artist known for his multimedia works, including sculptural colour-field paintings, video art, and sound installations.

Daniel grew up in an artistic household where everyone played multiple instruments and painting and music were encouraged. Having studied classical violin and shown an aptitude for drawing from a young age, O’Toole was obsessively focused on making both art and music from an early age.

O’Toole has studied at National Art School; completed a Diploma at SAE (School of Audio Engineering); and has held roles as the gallery director at ‘Oh Really gallery’ (Newtown/Syd), Soldiers Rd gallery (Surry Hills/Syd), and Alpha house gallery (Newtown/Syd).

Integrating experimental electronic music/soundscapes into his exhibitions and video works, he designs environments for sensory engagement. He has curated community-driven electronic music compilations/events and participated in artist residencies in Germany and France. His video work was shown at the Lyon Biennale and recent notable commissions include a custom video piece for Sydney Fashion Week and paintings for the Louis Vuitton store in Sydney International Airport.

O’Toole has staged numerous solo exhibitions and been featured in curated group shows both in Australia and internationally. In 2023, O’Toole achieved a significant milestone with his first institutional exhibition at Benalla Art Gallery. The immersive and interactive sound installation Voices from the void attracted over 3000 unique visitors, showcasing his ability to engage audiences on a larger scale.