AS IS | Michal Ožibko
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    • 3 min read

AS IS | Michal Ožibko

Artist

From Šumperk, Czechia

Based in Prague and Šumperk, Czechia


Michal Ožibko is known for his hyperrealistic works that geature characters or every-day objects and scenes. He often paints abstraction as well that showcases dramatic and dynamic compositions and expressive color play





A: Please, tell us a bit more about yourself. What brought you to art?


M: Apart from all the normal things every kid does, since childhood, I’ve been inclined towards paper and pencil (and later towards spray can and paint and paint brush). The people around me remember me drawing Disney characters from their cartoon shows I used to watch as a little boy. Later in puberty I immersed myself in graffiti which was exactly what I needed at the time - it was my resistance against the consumerist society and its conformity. And around the same time I began painting canvases, too.


A: What inspires you the most?


M: The source of inspiration for my work is the life I lead, in the world I was “thrown” into. Everything I encounter in life can be a theme source for my paintings if it touches me intensely enough for me to feel that the only way to stop thinking about it is to paint it… when it comes to abstract pieces, then it’s all about being attuned to my feelings and the colorful composition. Abstraction is a process of conducted coincidence for me.


A: Do you have any specific rituals while working (creating)?


M: I am not aware of any rituals of habits when working… maybe just the need for peace and quiet…


A: What would you recommend to someone new to art (an artist or just an admirer), what to begin with?


M: I don’t think anyone can give advice of this kind. When someone feels the internal urge and interest to create, then they simply should do it and it doesn’t really matter how, as long as they do it feelingly and genuinely. Everything else comes gradually with the process, at least that’s how it went for me…


A: Your top 3 phrases/words related to art?


M: When I talk about my work, I generally tend to use a whole vocabulary of words. It’s difficult to speak meaningfully about art for me, and if I limited myself to a bunch of phrases, then such debate would lose its point. Inclination to phrases is dangerous.




A: Your favorite Czech artists?


M: Some of my favorite Czech artists are: František Kupka, Alphonse Mucha, Vladimír Boudník, Jiří Kolář, Vojtěch Hynais. These are the ones I consider true masters.


A: What piece of art do you think embodies the Czech national spirit and culture? Why?


M: I don’t think there is such work of art.


A: The perfect phrase to start any conversation about art is: …?


M: I don’t initiate conversations about art, I tend to be provoked into having one by someone or something. Of course I talk about art often and happily, but I don’t think it’s necessarily the only topic an artist should talk about. The world of discussion is motley


A: Where can we meet you most often?


M: You could easily meet me in one of the cafes in Prague or Šumperk where I like to spend time when I’m not painting. However, I see cafes as places of relaxation rather than artistic inspiration. I don’t find paintings emerging in my mind when I’m sitting at a cafe.


A: Please, share your favorite quote (not necessarily related to art):


M: I put this quote on my business cared ages ago: Art is for everyone, but not everyone is for art.


Thank you!


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