Nieko McDaniel

Nieko McDaniel is an Assistant Professor of Painting and Drawing at James Madison University, joining as a tenure-track faculty member in Fall 2024. His work explores themes of Identity & World-Building, influenced by urban culture, graffiti, rap, and popular media. He holds an MFA from American University (2020) and a BFA from California State University Stanislaus (2018).

• Education:
• Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art, American University, Washington, DC (2020)
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art, California State University Stanislaus, Turlock, CA (2018)

His research integrates interdisciplinary influences from literature, music, film, and games to interrogate cultural narratives. Prior to JMU, he taught at Palo Verde College, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, and Middle Tennessee State University. McDaniel’s artistic practice emphasizes visual storytelling through painting and drawing, reflecting themes of self-reflection and societal constructs.