Mikey Freedom
Artist Statement
“In a world often preoccupied by chaos and noise, "A Table Set Before Me" offers an evocative exploration of presence, identity, and sustenance. At its core, this piece intertwines the narrative of femininity, daily nourishment, and the human experience, mirrored by the objects, colours, and shapes we interact with daily.
Drawing upon a carefully selected palette of pink, grey, black, white, yellow, and blue, each color not only represents a tangible emotion but becomes a character within this story. The grey, with its vast spectrum between black and white, becomes the intermediary - the bridge between absolutes. It encapsulates the in-between moments, the doubts, the questions, and the soft transitions of life. The stark contrasts of black and white provide a foundation, capturing the dichotomies of existence – hope and despair, absence and presence. Yellow stands as a beacon of warmth and illumination, a gentle reminder of the life-affirming power of sustenance, both in food and human connection. The blue, with its depth and range, introduces a soothing constancy, much like an enduring embrace.
Central to this piece is the feminine figure, represented in her most authentic and raw form. She is both a reflection of every viewer and a unique entity in her own right. Her relationship with the food not only symbolizes nourishment and survival but delves into the intricate dance of love, pleasure, memory, and sacrifice that food represents in our lives.
The deliberate use of space serves as a testament to the manner in which we position ourselves and others in the vast canvas of life. Each shape, reminiscent of human forms and postures, tells its own story, inviting viewers to partake in a visual feast and find their place at the table.
The juxtapositions and alignments are neither accidental nor forced, but are echoes of the myriad ways we find our identities in relation to others.
"A Table Set Before Me" is an invitation. It beckons viewers to find a seat at this grand, colourful table of life, and to recognise the interplay of shadow and light, space and form, and the eternal dance with those things that nourish us all - relationships.”
Bio.
Known for his rhythmic compositions of engaging colour, contorted figures and abstract shapes, Mikey’s art, murals and cut-outs are quickly identifiable. Enjoying a career that predates the contemporary street art era, Mikey’s life as an artist has been honed by his long attachment to painting city and urban streets.
Managing some of Sydney’s grandest hospitality art projects, Mikey has created murals and paintings for venues such as Shell House/Point Group and the Porteño Group.
While perhaps not obvious at first, a homage to classical art lays at the foundation of what Mikey creates, as well as a love for ancient and archaic forms.
Having exhibited and painted at significant events both nationally and internationally, Mikey has worked across a broad field of public and private projects, including commissions with the Sydney Opera House and MTV. Mikey maintains a deep involvement towards learning and teaching and has been an educator for over 20 years. Mikey believes that a teacher is forever the student of life, as learning never ends and sharing becomes a natural state of life.
