'Art and the creative process have always been my companions in this journey of self knowledge and acceptance. My Art has given me a voice to express my passion for social justice and self freedom’
After two decades in London, in 2018 he returned to Edinburgh, the city of his childhood, and during this year’s Fringe festival audiences have the opportunity to meet the artist and view his extraordinary work in his own home, Crescent House, a beautiful Georgian Town House.
Born of Italian and Ukrainian parents, his background had decisively influenced Michael’s work and subject matter. Series of paintings such as Fragments, Afro, Scrap, Tattoo and Object Male Nude are showcased and discussed within this exhibition.
But this is much more than just an exhibition. The Art of Hospitality allows the visitor to see a retrospective collection of work created over more than 20 years in a unique context - the home and art house of the artist. Michael has written the notes which accompany the works, and will be on hand to discuss his ideas and techniques.
Crescent House is on Claremont Crescent, a hidden gem on the very edge of the New Town. Part guest house, part art space / venue, film and tv location it is firstly and most importantly a home. Curated and designed over three years by the artist it allows the guest to see the crossover of interior and the aesthetic preoccupations at play in this fascinating and creative space.
Michael’s growing interest in politics brought him back to Edinburgh, after a successful period in London. Michael wanted to be part of this excitement, to re-engage in his Scottish roots, his community as an artist, a neighbour and a citizen of a fine country and city.
This was to be sorely tested with Covid. Losing his studio, trying to carry on working through financial stress and the Covid Pandemic proved difficult and bleak.
The first post pandemic Edinburgh Fringe Festival seemed the perfect stage to announce to all that we are resilient and will play our part in the new dawn and re-ignite that flame that so encouraged his return to Edinburgh from London in 2018.
Michael became an art student at Edinburgh College of Art at the age of nineteen, graduating in 1986 with a BA Honours Degree in Drawing and Painting. The resulting years opened up new landscapes of experience: Setting up his studio, becoming a theatre and textile designer, illustrator, adventure playground designer and worker, community arts festival coordinator, vocalist, stylist, choreographer and actor, to name but a few.