Every Image Creates a Story, Every Word Narrates the Story’

My art is inspired by a wide range of images and notions, from objects to words, coming from the massive world urban culture of previous and contemporary times. The modern world is illustrated more emphatically, the means used being the basic principles of consumerism, politics, lifestyle and, of course personal experience.

According to my artistic beliefs, Art ought to be active and innovative, without a trace of repeated, static patterns. Art ought to be revolutionary, inspiring, awakening, urging people to follow it.

‘Fine artist is, to have your own and unique style, is to have your trade mark.’

The usage of popular icons-images, words, subjects-matters and concerns that affect every human being worldwide, are combined in a way that affects each and every person.

‘Every human’s enemy is his/her own self, so he/she has to fight till last breath…’

I want to redefine the meaning, the existence and the presence of the icons, words and symbols, opening a dialogue through our entity, nature and the configuration of humanity..

Also urges us to realize our life, to create ourselves the space, time and to adapt it to our own perception.

Icons illustrate their space in a new dimension and <language>, words are independent clauses and paragraphs, baring their meaning showing what is hiding behind them, also symbols misinterpret their explanation with the center of all these, The Human….

‘In life one must not be just another person, but another entity…’

Words are the connected links of two or more meanings, of two or more explanations and messages.

My Icons remapping their appearance, accompanied by the words and in the same time happens the opposite, showing them in a different progress, in a different existence, in a different <message>, redefine, reproduce and regenerate their value.

The viewer who is looking at my work, I want to get into the philosophy of my art and conceptualize more in the hidden messages. At the same time the <voice> of my creations having an obvious message keeping the secret combinations of the visible and the unvisible.

‘Conservatism is the permanent world war to humanity…’

My aim also, is to give a new and fresh interpretation at our urban world and outside of it. As well as to bring in <life>, the nowadays <aseptic> use, of them. (Icons, words, symbols, etc.).

The words <inside> my works are not just represent the title of the works, are the continuation of the pictures…

Incorporating titles and words into my paintings can add layers of meaning and invite deeper engagement from viewers. A well-chosen title can set the tone, providing context that transforms the visual experience into a narrative journey. Words can serve as focal points or subtle whispers within the composition, enhancing the emotional resonance of the imagery.

With bold statements, delicate phrases and of course word playing, the integration of text allows me to bridge the gap between visual art and literary expression, inviting the audience to reflect on the interplay of language and imagery in a profound and of course personal way.

The process of developing concepts in my art is also a journey of personal growth. Each theme I explore reflects my evolving understanding of the world and my place within it. This exploration can be cathartic, allowing me to process my thoughts and emotions through creative expression. It’s a way to grapple with uncertainty, joy, pain, and everything in between, and my aim is that this vulnerability invites others to reflect on their own journeys too.

We know that many artists are influenced by the cultural and historical context in which they create. My concepts often draw from a rich tapestry of influences, incorporating elements from various cultures, histories, and artistic movements. This intertextuality enriches my work, allowing me to speak to broader narratives while still remaining uniquely personal. By engaging with these contexts, I hope to honor the past while contributing to ongoing conversations about the present and furthermore our future!

The visual creations and words combining them with surrealistic images behind my art are not just an afterthought; they are integral to the entire creative process. They guide my work, foster connections, encourage dialogue, and enrich the viewer’s experience. As I continue to explore new themes and ideas, I invite everyone to join me in this journey—one that seeks not only to beautify but to provoke thought, inspire connection, and celebrate the complexities of the human experience. Ultimately, it is through these concepts that my art comes alive, resonating in ways that are both profound and lasting.

As an Art Critic said: <Mike Petrakis’s art has the geometry of Russian
Avant Garde, forms of the Modernism, the messages and the substratum of Surrealism, the recognizable of the objects, images, icons as well with the expectation impact of the Pop Art.

Redefine and reconstruct the objects and the icons as DADA did, the value and the power of the silhouettes like Abstract Expressionism, the execution and the gloss of colors of the Impressionism>.

Yours sincerely Mike Petrakis