Opening on 22 March from 4pm in the presence of the artist
For his second solo show at MAGNIN-A gallery, JP Mika plunges viewers into a poignant reflection on the preservation of our planet. Through the representation of a magnified nature, the artist invites us to rediscover the beauty of the world around us and to become aware of our collective responsibility.
The dialogue between man and nature is at the heart of his work. In the manner of Arcimboldo, his figures melt into the natural world, metamorphosing into lush forests. Although hidden behind the vegetation, the human figure remains essential to the preservation of this fragile balance.
While Mika does not shy away from depicting the complex realities of our times, he infuses tenderness and kindness into each of his works, which become vehicles of hope and resilience. In the face of life's difficulties, this joy invokes a certain utopia where beauty and optimism are at the heart of human existence.
Through his self-portrait, Mika becomes the spokesperson for a threatened ecosystem. His smile, which he wears every day, is reflected in his work: an assertive, almost blissful smile, testifying to his deep desire to spread joy. The benevolent artist offers us a vision where hope and urgency meet, a universe where the beauty of the natural world and human vitality are intimately linked.
Faithful to the use of fabric as a backdrop, an element intrinsically linked to Congolese sape, Mika never ceases to pay homage to a contemporary and vibrant Africa. Fabric is not a simple support, but an aesthetic playground where paint and print merge, creating an unprecedented visual dialogue. This fusion of colours and patterns encourages us to question our perception, in a constant quest for harmony where each being - human, animal or plant - finds its place.
The influences of sape become a means of celebrating the richness and vitality of nature, while symbolising the unity between man and his environment. A dialogue is established, where nature and humanity embrace each other, underlining their complementary nature and the importance of preserving this fragile harmony.
In this way, each of JP Mika's paintings becomes a visual manifesto, an invitation to see the world in a new light: a world where beauty, hope and nature merge in a vibrant, colourful dance.
