Robert Mirek

Biography of Robert Mirek

Robert Mirek is a versatile artist known for his proficiency in both painting and sculpture. His evolving visual language serves as a means of introspective dialogue embedded within objects, systems, and scenarios bordering on abstraction. The conceptual threads weaving through his work, transforming into visual signals, often trace their roots back to mythic or universal themes.

Born in 1957 in Detroit, Michigan, USA, Robert Mirek obtained his BFA in Painting from the College for Creative Studies. His recent participation in solo and group exhibitions has been extensive, showcasing his artistic prowess. Notable among these are "Sacred Spaces" at Higher Art Gallery, the innovative dwelling and exhibition "Haute Domain Detroit" in his hometown, "100 Sculptures: A Survey of Contemporary Sculpture" at the Ella Sharp Museum, and "Abstraction," an invitational exhibition by Rick Vian at Janice Charach Gallery. Additionally, Mirek's works have been featured in the "Big Sculpture Show" at 333 Midland, a three-person exhibit titled "Echoes" at Galerie Camille, and a solo exhibition at the Detroit Center for Design and Technology under his own name.  

Transcending Boundaries: Exploring Mirek's Artistic Philosophy Through Color, Form, and Material Alchemy

Mirek's artistic philosophy manifests in creations that transcend cynicism and sentimentality, embracing beauty and profundity. Entry into his artistic realm occurs through a dual gateway: one guided by color and surface, and the other by visual and tactile elements. Earthly and celestial hues dominate his palette, while shapes and their interaction with the surface delve into classical considerations of color, form, space, and rhythm.

Utilizing materials such as rubber, mylar, thread, stone, pumice acrylic, and glass fragments intricately embedded into plywood forms, Mirek constructs sculptures that possess individual value yet collectively form a network, suggesting a constellation of meaning.

One notable series, "Seeds, Comets, and Shuttlecocks" (2017), showcases organic sculptures reminiscent of magnificent jewels — each unique yet deliberately arranged to create delicate patterns of color and shape.

Mirek's artistic process involves a nuanced dance with uncertainty and discomfort. Drawing inspiration from science fiction and Paul Klee's early drawings, Mirek imaginatively envisions the landscapes of his creations, bringing these abstract ideas to life in tangible, physical forms.

Robert Mirek is the artist of the BoxHeart Gallery (4523 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15224; Director: Nicole Capozzi).