Mike Okay's work proposes an introspective journey through time in which he explores the relationships between personal memories, collective history, and artistic expression. Each piece in this series acts as a chapter of a visual diary that reflects the complexity of his identity and experiences. Drawing inspiration from his childhood in socialist East Germany in the 80s and his youth in reunified Germany in the 90s, Mike Okay delves into the link between individual memory and social change in his imagery.

“ Turbo Diary” his solo exhibition at We Collect which opens on April 11, in Madrid combines personal memories, cultural references, and contemporary images. This combination creates a narrative landscape that invites viewers to delve deeper into the experiences of the past and the transformative power of memory. He finds fascination in children's drawings, embracing the unrefined strokes, imperfections, and mistakes that come with them. Mike Okay sees seriousness, correctness, and perfectionism as contradictory to a contemporary understanding of childhood, finding them less compelling. Instead, he seeks unpolished beauty. His art often features geometric shapes, abstract animals, yarn balls, toy cars, and whimsical scenarios, forming a curious miniature world in a bold, carefree, and informal manner. His works evoke the atmosphere of a messy children’s room, where joyful chaos reigns. Each pictorial element serves as a key or emotional trigger for memories, many of which have tangible counterparts in the artist’s private collection.

After a brief foray into architecture studies at HTWK Leipzig from 2001 to 2002, Mike Okey (Halle, 1980) decided to embark on another transformative path by studying design at the Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design Halle from 2003 to 2010. He co-founded the famous artistic collective KLUB7 in 1998. In 2021, he co-founded the innovative artistic space Galaxie Neuer Künste, and in 2022 a member of the Hallescher Kunstverein, consolidating his presence in the esteemed Halle Art Association.

MIKE OKAY WEBSITE

INSTAGRAM