OBITUARY

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Daniel “Dan” Andrew Hillier
10th January 1973 - 8th February 2024

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of the artist Dan Hillier at the age of 51, after several months of illness.

For over two decades, Dan carved a unique path in the art world. He began his journey selling prints from a market stall in East London, eventually attracting the attention of prestigious gallerists and exhibiting his work at renowned venues including the Louvre, the Saatchi Gallery, Glastonbury Festival, Somerset House, Turin's Natural History Museum, and the V&A. His collaborations spanned Shakespeare’s Globe, rock bands Royal Blood and Architects, the Folio Society, Harper Collins, and the National Theatre. Dan's distinctive art graced the opening titles of the BBC drama series Requiem.

Dan was a master of collage, crafting unsettlingly beautiful works from Victorian source materials, merging human, animal, and arcane elements. His art reflected his deep connection to the natural world and his rich spiritual life, which he described as “an expression of love for nature, archetypes, relationships, and the ever-unfolding nature of being alive in this unknowable mystery.”

In his final days, Dan shared a poignant message with his family and friends, reflecting his character and outlook: “I’ve spent a lot of time recently seeing the riches that I have in my life – it’s staggering to me, really, all the time.”

Born and raised in Oxfordshire by loving parents, Rick and Anne, he was older brother to Matt. Dan studied Illustration and Graphic Arts at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge after completing a foundation year at art school. He traveled extensively, embracing life with a boundless appetite and an ever-curious spirit. His journey of spiritual enquiry, rooted in wisdom traditions and meditation, was central to his life and art.

Dan lived and worked in Stoke Newington, East London, for many years before moving to Dartmoor in 2022 to be closer to his family and nature. He found solace and inspiration in the moor, frequently sharing his love for it through his popular Instagram posts.

Dan's approach to art was profoundly reflective and meditative. “I make pictures that are firmly rooted in the human experience of being a part of the natural world: the dwindling material miracle-world of forests, rivers, seas, creatures, and skies; and the timeless imaginal realms of archetype, dream, vision, myth, and story,” he said. “In a world increasingly built on speed, distraction, and consumerism, concentrating for long spells on a work of imagination and exploration can often feel quite radical.”

His art was not just a career but a deep exploration and celebration of the mysteries of life. “My work is an extension of my explorations of mythology, the arts, meditation, mystery traditions, psychedelic plants, and nature in general,” Dan shared. Through his art, Dan offered a window into the strange and beautiful experience of being alive, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire and move those who encounter it.

Dan was a multifaceted and irresistible character. Whether you were a lifelong friend or someone who met him just once, his unparalleled charisma, depth, confidence and sharp humour was unique and unforgettable.

Dan Hillier will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many admirers of his work. His spirit, humour, and profound artistry will live on in the rich and evocative images he created.

Ω

My dear friends, it is with sadness beyond words that I'm making this somewhat earnest post to let you know that after several months of investigations, tests and procedures, I have life-ending cancer, which has spread throughout my body.

I am devastated to be leaving behind friends and family who are so amazing that I find it impossible to fathom; and a world so beautiful and marvellous that it is
incomprehensible. I cannot believe it is my time, and I'm praying for a miracle to intervene and make this not so.

I have had a totally wonderful life, and I feel like I'm just getting started, having lately moved to the magical realms of Dartmoor, which has shone a light on how I feel a life can be lived to its fullest amongst the magnificent natural world; brought an incredible array of new people into my life, and served as a new reality checkpoint from which I see the full amazingness of those close friends I've been living my life with for years, as well as the loving relationship I have with the miraculous natural world that we have all sprung from.

I truly don't know what to say, other than I wish to find a way to live through this and emerge on the other side. Words can't come close to anything at times like this, so l am going to leave this here for now, with no idea of the wisdom of doing so or not.

I love you, I love the world, I love myself.

I love my work, I love those around me, I love all that brings light and life to this existence.

May all beings be free, may all beings know true peace, may all beings live in safety and free from harm, may all beings know true love, and true freedom.

∞