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Welcome to the third part of our exclusive interview with Michael Gregorjev Murn, a renowned contemporary artist from Slovenia. Known for his ability to balance commercial success with creative integrity, Michael shares insights into his unique approach to the art business.
He discusses the dynamics of artwork sales, the significance of art fairs like ART Expo Ljubljana and ART Expo Trieste, as well as his solo exhibition at the prestigious Miart Gallery London.
From navigating client expectations to leveraging social media, Michael’s experiences offer a fascinating glimpse into the evolving art market and the strategies he employs to stay at the forefront. Join us as we delve deeper into the world of this influential artist, exploring the intersection of artistic vision and entrepreneurial acumen.
© Michael Gregorjev Murn
How do you balance the commercial aspects of being an artist with your creative integrity?
I balance the commercial demands of being an artist with my creative integrity by blending my artistic vision with business savvy. By taking on various ventures and leadership roles in different industries, I manage to promote art and culture while maintaining financial stability.
Which artworks sell better, larger, or smaller?
In my experience, larger artworks tend to sell better. I believe this is because I can best capture and convey my vision on a grand scale. Larger pieces allow for more detailed expression and carry a certain visual impact that can be quite captivating. Thus, while larger artworks require more space and investment, they often attract collectors who are looking to make a significant impact in their environments.
How do you promote, and where do you sell your art?
As an artist, I actively promote my work through a variety of impactful channels, primarily through my involvement with my company – AAMI Corporation. AAMI is not merely a business entity; it is a dynamic collective that bridges the worlds of art and business, offering a platform not only for myself but for a diverse group of international artists.
We facilitate numerous projects and exhibitions, making art accessible and integrated within the business community. Additionally, we organise art fairs such as ART Expo Ljubljana and the upcoming ART Expo Trieste starting this December. These expos serve as significant venues where art enthusiasts and collectors gather, providing artists with an opportunity to showcase their works on an international stage.
A particularly exciting milestone in my career this year is my solo exhibition at the Miart Gallery, located on the prestigious St James’s Street in London. Scheduled for May and June, this event offers a deep dive into my artistic journey and latest creations.
© Michael Gregorjev Murn
This exhibition not only marks a pivotal moment in my career but also offers a unique opportunity for collectors and art lovers to engage with my work in a profound and personal way.
Do you have to look for buyers, or do they find you?
Primarily, the buyers find me, which I am truly grateful for. Having dedicated many years to my craft, I believe the endorsements I receive from satisfied collectors play a crucial role. Their willingness to share their positive experiences with others has been instrumental in attracting new enthusiasts to my work.
Have you ever had to compromise your artistic vision for a commission or project? If so, how did you navigate that situation?
Yes, I’ve faced this scenario many times. Commissioned work inherently involves a blend of the artist’s vision and the client’s expectations. It’s much like a marriage, where compromise is essential. When I undertake a commission, I strive to maintain the integrity of my artistic vision while also accommodating the wishes of my client. This balancing act requires open dialogue and a deep understanding of what the client hopes to achieve with the artwork.
You’ve participated in many art exhibitions. What has been your experience with them?
Participating in numerous art exhibitions has always been a great experience, particularly the collaborative aspects with other artists. However, I tend to prefer showcasing my work at solo shows where I have more control over how my art is presented.
Of course, this is always in collaboration with curators and gallerists who help to refine the vision and reach the audience effectively. Being somewhat of an eccentric, I also enjoy the aspect of being the center of attention at these solo exhibitions, where the focus is solely on my work and the narrative I wish to convey.
© Michael Gregorjev Murn
What is your overall outlook on how the art market is changing? How do you stay updated with trends and developments in the art world?
The art market, like all fields of industry, is undergoing significant changes, and it’s important that we, as artists, are ready to embrace these shifts. While I appreciate and often adhere to more traditional methods of creating art, I do incorporate some modern techniques such as digital graphics.
I value the personal interaction with my clients, preferring to meet them face-to-face whenever possible. In this regard, I consider myself quite old school. I stay updated with trends and developments in the art world through conversations with peers, reading industry publications, and attending exhibitions, which helps me to understand the evolving landscape while maintaining my personal artistic integrity.
What role do you think social media plays in the career of a contemporary artist?
Social media undoubtedly plays a significant role in the careers of contemporary artists. It provides a platform where some artists have gained recognition and are now enjoying considerable commercial success. However, maintaining a strong social media presence can be very time-consuming and often requires constant engagement or the help of a professional.
In my case, I prefer to focus on creating art and engaging directly with clients and potential clients. To manage this, I have a team that handles my social media for me. This arrangement allows me to concentrate on what I love most—creating art and personal interactions with my audience.
Part 4 is Coming Soon!
Interview organized by AAMI Corporation. The World Art News (WAN) is not liable for the content of this publication. All statements and views expressed herein are opinions only. Act at your own risk. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. © The World Art News
The post Exclusive Interview with Renowned Slovenian Contemporary Artist Michael Gregorjev Murn | Part 3 appeared first on World Art News.
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California-based mixed media artist Nancy Jo Ward is bringing her evocative portraits to the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum for Japan’s 23rd International Art Exchange Exhibition from June 15-20, 2024.
Ward creates rich, emotionally resonant figurative art using a hybrid approach that includes digital drawing, painting, and the use of gold and silver foils. Blurring the lines between pixels, paint, and algorithm, she shapes unique images that delve deep into the minds and hearts of her subjects.
Working with a lush color palette, the artist offers archival prints on aluminum, each hand-finished using acrylics, oils, and pastels. The dreamy, vibrant result is alchemic and graceful. Ward manifests poignant, vivid portraits that speak powerfully to the inner depths of her subjects’ spirits while inviting viewers to partake in an intimate and profound dialogue with her subjects. Her passion for color, texture, and movement meshes with a fusion of digital and analog techniques that push beyond conventional artistic boundaries.
Ward’s robust intersection of mediums results in hauntingly lovely works, whose delicacy and depth shape a profound, light-filled grace, one which encourages exploration and transformation within subject and viewer alike. Her images form compelling visual narratives based on contemporary female identities that express emotions ranging from loss and grief to comfort and contemplation.
For the Tokyo exhibition, she will be showing three of her mixed-media works: Taisha, Jesslyn, and Pantsuit Nation, each depicting a compelling female subject in nuanced rainbow shades.
The artist’s fluid and lustrous works will be showcased among those of 57 visual artists from the United States, including images from iconic artists Jackson Pollock and Prince Yisehak Fikre Sellassie. Ward considers it an honor to be included in a “celebration of diversity, cultural specificity, and individual expression of the human condition.” Her own work serves as an intrinsic part of this celebration.
A professor of art and design at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, California, Ward received her Master of Arts with Distinction in Digital Fine Art from the University of the Arts London in 2018. Her hybrid portraiture work has been featured globally in numerous exhibitions; her experimental video Aura won an award at the 13th Concorso d’Arte Donne in Rinascita in Milan, Italy, in March of this year.
The exhibition will be held at: Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, 1F Citizens Gallery 3, 8-36 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0007, Japan, from June 15-20. For more information about Ward and her artwork, visit NancyJoWard.com
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Story submitted by Nancy Jo Ward. The World Art News (WAN) is not liable for the content of this publication. All statements and views expressed herein are opinions only. Act at your own risk. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. © The World Art News
The post Pixels and Paint: Mixed Media Artist Nancy Jo Ward Debuts at Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum appeared first on World Art News.