The artworks of Micha focus on exploring and awakening their spectator to rust’s hidden meanings and potential. Through his complicated and unique technique of rust reconstruction, he presents a wide spectrum of highly skilled works ranging from charcoal and watercolors drawings, to acrylic painted canvas and fiberglass sculptures. The versatile use of different media in each work is evidence of an artist who has studied the physical nature of different materials and has experimented with their elements and visual properties.
While exploring two works, firstly of a drawing of a ship and secondly of the load line of a vessel, the viewer is left with an impression of entering a shipyard. The perspective used in both works actively engages the viewer at experiencing the size and impact of the ship. This experience is further enhanced through the presence of rust in both works. Rusty surfaces are suggested either through the color scheme and tones of the drawings or though actual rust reconstruction incorporated on the canvas.
Furthermore, the hidden meaning of rust’s potential is uncovered through a series of oxidized Greek flags. These sculpted works highlight that any rusty surface does not signal disposal and deterioration but reconstruction, rebirth, rejuvenation and most importantly hope. For example, a rusty Greek flag is a visual sign that encourages action to take place. Micha’s work does not simply highlight that the elements of Greek society have reacted with each other and have created an unstable and deteriorating formation; they aim at triggering and motivating people to creatively and patiently restore things to their principal pure stable nature.
In one work the roots and branches of a leafless, earthly olive tree seem to have the power to carry the weight of the heavily oxidized Greek flag. On another, the blue-white fabric is displayed as being hung to dry. The plasticity of the sculpture suggest a heavy but also flowing textile whose pure, clear and vivid colors have not disappeared but are just hidden beneath layers of dust and dirt.
In Micha’s own words, ‘A flag made of gold has the same value as a flag made of rust’.
