If the names Daniel and Dennis Blagg are mentioned within earshot of anyone in Fort Worth’s art scene, they are highly likely to be recognized.
The Blagg twins, 74, have spent five decades building their careers in contemporary art, notably landscape paintings inspired by their hometown of Seminole in West Texas. Daniel is known for his realistic approach to capturing abandoned urban spaces, while Dennis pursues artworks depicting Big Bend’s rugged desert.
In 1980, the artists co-founded Artspace111 near downtown Fort Worth as their creative hub but also as an art gallery where many North Texas artists have grown their careers.
The twins’ artistry extended so far that Panther City filmmaker Dakota Ford and artist Sarah Blagg, who is serving as executive producer, are determined to explore their life stories in a new documentary film, “Eye to Eye.” Ford runs his own video production company, Ford Films, and oversees the broadcast and video production for the city of North Richland Hills.
“Dan and Dennis really have been the crux of the Fort Worth art scene for 50 years,” Sarah Blagg, who is also Daniel’s wife, said. “Anybody who’s anybody in North Texas art has come through this gallery. Not every highly skilled, brilliant artist will share the space, but they always have.”
Fort Worth filmmaker Dakota Ford, left, and artist Sarah Blagg pose inside Daniel Blagg’s studio at Artspace111 July 7, 2025. The duo is leading production of the “Eye to Eye” documentary about the Blagg twins. (David Moreno | Fort Worth Report)
The documentary will uncover the Blaggs’ distinct but complementary artistic visions, analyzing how family history, environment, talent and twinship forged their Texas art dynasty.
The filmmakers are currently fundraising to support professional equipment and additional interviews needed for the documentary. So far, the crew has interviewed the Blagg twins but need the financial support for expenses related to chats with family members, notable collectors, contemporary artists and fans.
The crew is planning sit-downs with artists Nancy Lamb, Cindi Holt and Leslie Lanzotti who have exhibited at Artspace111.
As of July 9, the film has raised $10,105 of its $30,000 goal. The project will continue even if the financial goal isn’t met, said Ford, but the funds would make production run smoother.
Interested in financially supporting the “Eye to Eye” documentary? You can donate to the film here.
Sarah Blagg was inspired to launch the project in 2024, because she believed there was a lot worth exploring in the Blagg twins’ past since two of their brothers, Woodrow and Douglas, also became renowned artists.
She brought Ford on board to direct after previously working alongside him producing artistic video content for North Richland Hills. The documentary was initially planned to be short in length, but the vision has since grown into one for a feature film.
Blagg and Ford are now working alongside a film crew that includes North Texas-based editor Sierra Clark, associate producer Hannah Green, sound recordist Alfonso Flores, assistant director Shaheer Naqvi, colorist Jake Guy and narrator Paul Jackson.
When Daniel Blagg first heard about the documentary, he was filled with gratitude for the recognition and opportunity to share his experiences.
“Maybe it’s time, because I’m not getting younger,” he jokingly said.
He believes the film has the potential to showcase the dynamic and diverse aspects of his and his brother’s careers.
“There’s some kind of respect artists don’t often get, so there’s some kind of validation knowing that people think (our work) is worth talking about,” he added.
The film crew hopes to complete the documentary by April 2026, but the timeline could change. The primary goal is to screen “Eye to Eye” at art museums nationwide, but there are plans to submit the documentary to film festivals to ensure more showcase opportunities.
Once the film is complete, the crew plans to host a Fort Worth premiere, but details aren’t yet available.
“They are such a big part of Fort Worth,” Ford said. “We want to cover their legacy and what they’re leaving behind for other artists.”
David Moreno is the arts and culture reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at david.moreno@fortworthreport.org or @davidmreports.
At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
Related
Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative for adhering to standards for ethical journalism.
Republish This Story
Republishing is free for noncommercial entities. Commercial entities are prohibited without a licensing agreement. Contact us for details.