In Conversation With Michael Flavin written by Sarah CK All Rights Reserved © Void Magazine Sarah CK
Michael Flavin is a Multi-disciplinary artist focusing mainly on the mediums of print and paint Myself and Michael met up for a coffee, sitting on the typical wooden chairs at Metro Café just before the red blanket weather returned. The spot was particularly convenient to him as it sits right across from his newly awarded studio space. We spoke on process, technique, inspirations, and how the studio space came to be.
Michael’s art started to form a strong structure when he began a six-month exchange in Bologna. What differentiates Michael’s work from others is the process he takes, instilling emotions into each piece through movement. When in Bologna Michael’s tutors suggested allowing an audience in to view the process, but he declined, choosing instead to keep this part of his art private. Instead, ensuring authenticity stays in the foreground, and it shows in each piece’s final form.
In Conversation With Michael Flavin written by Sarah CK All Rights Reserved © Void Magazine Sarah CK
Michael tells me his aim is to find a way to translate internal emotions into physical form. Whether it is through layering paint to the point of it almost becoming structural, as seen in his piece ‘Head of Dionysus’ or through the quick movement of figures in his piece entitled ‘Amidst Flesh Blood.’ Both of these pieces were displayed in Michael’s final show, entitled ‘A Room Laced With Black Dog Cruelty’.
The exhibition focused on the topic of grief, expressing a connection to his father’s death and experiencing childhood in his absence. Michael’s father was an artist who had also spent some time in Bologna. Michael took inspiration from his father’s experiences and disciplinaries whilst also intertwining his own, resulting in an evoking final Exhibition. Which later resulted in Michael becoming the recipient of ‘The Dean Studio Graduate Residency Award.’ This means Michael can continue to bring emotion into the physical world through bold tactile pieces whilst also being conveniently close to Metro.
To keep up with Michaels’s art, you can follow him on Instagram @Michaelflavin_ and through his journal series @michaelsnotebook
As always, there is more to explore in the void!
