In the dynamic realm of modern art, artist Greg Mike is a powerhouse who’s not only capturing the spirit and vitality of his surroundings but also making it vibrant through his works. Based in Atlanta, he’s known globally for his unique blend of graffiti and fine art, brought to life with bold colors and whimsical characters. His art is not just a reflection of the city’s cultural pulse but also an invitation to viewers to interact and engage with their surroundings in unprecedented ways.
A conversation with Greg Mike reveals the creative energy that fuels his work and the impact his art has on individual lives as well as on public spaces. Unveiling the elements of his signature characters and vibrant street art, he illustrates how his work intersects the realms of reality and imagination. Inspired by classic cartoons, pop culture, and the raw energy of street art, Mike creates intriguing visuals that lure people into a boundless reality filled with energy, movement, and possibilities.
His artwork begins as a sketch or a concept, where he cerebrates on how characters and colors could interact with their surroundings. The initial idea then evolves into layers of details, continuously evolving until the art piece feels like it has its life-force. The aim is to develop spaces and experiences that draw viewers in, offering them opportunities to establish fresh connections.
Over the years, the artist’s work has become more complex as he had the chance to work with different techniques and explore new themes. The earlier focus was on character-centric pieces with strong outlines and vibrant colors. However, now Greg finds himself leaning towards a more abstract approach, playing with an artistic collage inspired by nostalgia. Today he’s interested in the flow, energy, shape, and color rather than literal characters, venturing into compositions that feel both artistic and refined. In the future, he aspires to embed his work with a rhythm and energy that deeply resonates, allowing viewers to connect through feeling and form.
Being the founder of ABV Gallery, Greg Mike showcases works from global artists. However, building a reputation as an artist isn’t a cakewalk, it requires developing a solid foundation. Greg encourages emerging artists to not only focus on honing their craft but also to keep putting their work out in the world. One should also trust their vision and not be afraid of taking risks, notwithstanding the challenges that may come their way. Building a supportive community and connecting with like-minded individuals is paramount as navigating the art world can be overwhelming. Having a network of compatible people can be a game-changer.
Among his upcoming projects, Greg is most excited about his solo show at the renovated ABV Gallery. The gallery, situated in East Atlanta Village, was initially an old church building which has now been transformed into a space converging art, creativity, and the community. The show is a celebration of this journey, and Greg eagerly looks forward to welcoming everyone to experience it. Additionally, the annual mural and art festival in Atlanta, the OuterSpace Project, is around the corner with an impressive lineup of artists and events.
On the topic of his legacy, Greg desires to inspire and promote openness within the art community. He wishes to create a space where artists can feel empowered to explore their visions and trust their voices. He hopes people remember his work as boundary-pushing and inspiring for others to do the same. Through ABV Gallery, he aims to create spaces and opportunities that allow others to connect with their creativity and bring it to life, fostering growth and expression for many years to come.
