10 Questions with Mike Vladimir

Mike Vladimir is a contemporary artist based in Geneva, Switzerland, whose works capture the depth and complexity of the human experience. Born in Geneva to Czech parents, he holds French citizenship, blending a rich cultural heritage that informs his artistic vision. Mike pursued his education in the arts, earning a Bachelor of Arts from Long Island University in New York, where his creative journey took root and flourished.

Mike’s latest series, Drama on the Beach and Life is a Trumpet, showcase his innovative approach to painting. Crafted on reclaimed wood panels, each piece stands alone as a powerful narrative, yet when viewed collectively, they create a striking visual symphony. The aged textures of the wood bring an organic depth to his compositions, enhancing the emotional resonance of his work.

Deeply inspired by the struggles and triumphs of the human spirit, Mike’s art explores themes such as freedom, karma, love, and the complexities of existence. His paintings reflect the subtle variations in individual experiences, celebrating the uniqueness of humanity while connecting to universal truths. With a preference for acrylics, he employs a dynamic palette and bold brushwork that animate the wood surfaces, creating a tactile and visually compelling effect.

Through his work, Mike invites viewers to pause and reflect, finding meaning in the juxtaposition of resilience and fragility—a recurring motif in his art. His ability to blend raw materials with profound concepts positions him as a unique voice in contemporary art.

@StudioMikeVlad

INTERVIEW

What inspired you to become an artist, and how did your journey begin?

I began exploring visual art in college, where sculpture quickly became my favorite class. I studied both philosophy and fine art, and sculpture felt like a bridge between the two—it allowed me to translate abstract philosophical ideas into tangible, three-dimensional forms. At the time, I also dabbled in painting, but it wasn’t my main focus. Surprisingly, painting re-emerged during the lockdown a few years ago. I think it was always there, dormant, waiting for the right moment to surface. That period of isolation gave me the space to reconnect with it, and it’s been a central part of my practice ever since.

How has your Czech and French heritage influenced your art?

Having roots in both Czech(Parents) and French (Citizenship), Swiss (Place of birth), and American (Place of study) cultures has given me a heightened sensitivity to subtle differences in perspective, aesthetics, and ideas. It’s made me naturally curious about blending influences from diverse sources, always looking for connections and contrasts to explore in my work.

What other influences can you highlight for your work? Is there any artist or school that particularly inspired you in developing your style?

There are many influences, but at the top of my list are Sandro Chia, David Hockney, and Philip Guston. Each of them resonates with me in a unique way—Chia for his raw expressiveness, Hockney for his masterful use of color and narrative, and Guston for his ability to infuse personal, almost absurdist, elements into his work. These artists have profoundly shaped how I approach my own practice.

Speaking of your work, can you tell us about your latest series, Drama on the Beach and Life is a Trumpet?

Both series are painted with acrylic on reclaimed wood panels, which give them a distinct texture and character. Drama on the Beach explores themes of karma and fate. It tells the story of pirates reveling in stolen treasures, only to face a sudden shipwreck and an attack by pelicans. The series is a metaphor for the unpredictability of life and how quickly circumstances can shift.

Life is a Trumpet, on the other hand, celebrates the beauty found in simple objects, actions, and animals. It’s a metaphorical reminder to look beyond the surface and appreciate the hidden wonders in everyday life. For me, this series is about finding beauty everywhere—sometimes in the least expected places.

Why did you choose reclaimed wood panels as the base for your paintings?

The wood panels come from an old cabin my wife and I bought about ten years ago. During the pandemic, I rediscovered these panels in our basement and decided to repurpose them as canvases. Initially, it was a bit challenging to adapt to their uneven surface, but I quickly realized they added a unique depth and texture to my work. The panels carry their ownhistory, which complements the stories I aim to tell through my paintings

What themes do you explore in your art, and why are they important to you?

In my art, I explore themes of transformation, perception, and the fleeting nature of life. Through works like Drama on the Beach, I delve into ideas of karma, fate, and how quickly circumstances can shift. In Life is a Trumpet, I focus on finding beauty in the ordinary, encouraging a deeper appreciation of the world around us. These themes are important to me because they resonate with universal experiences—questions of meaning, resilience, and the search for beauty in unexpected places.

How does the human experience inspire your work?

The human experience is central to my art—it’s an endless source of inspiration. I’m drawn to the stories we live, the emotions we feel, and the ways we interpret and shape the world around us. Whether it’s the humor and absurdity in life’s unpredictability or the quiet moments of beauty we often overlook, my work reflects an ongoing dialogue with these experiences.

What role does texture play in your compositions?

Texture plays a vital role in my work, particularly because I use reclaimed wood panels as my canvas. The natural imperfections of the wood—its grain, weathering, and cracks—add a depth and character that interact with the acrylic paint in unexpected ways. These textures become part of the storytelling, grounding the work in something tangible and adding layers of meaning. I see texture as a bridge between the visual and the tactile, inviting viewers to engage with the work on multiple sensory levels.

How do you hope viewers connect with your art?

I hope viewers find their own stories and interpretations within my work. My art isn’t about providing answers but inviting curiosity and reflection. Whether they’re drawn to the narrative elements, the textures, or the emotions conveyed, I hope my pieces spark a sense of wonder and encourage people to see the world—and themselves—in new ways.

And lastly, what are your plans for future projects or themes you’d like to explore?

For future projects, I’m interested in expanding on the idea of transformation, not just thematically but also through experimentation with new materials and formats. I’m intrigued by how different mediums can shift the narrative of a piece. Additionally, I’d like to explore themes of memory and how we construct our personal histories—particularly the way objects, landscapes, and textures carry meaning over time.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.