Anthony Micallef: “An artist’s job is to grow and explore within their chosen realms”

Anthony Micallef with his latest art of work. Photo credit: Bran Symondson

By Paula Planelles Manzanaro

Anthony Micallef is on the top of the list of the new generation of British artists. His love for fashion, pop-art and graphic design defines his work. Since he appeared on the art scene in 2000, winning second prize in the BP Portrait Award competition, his popularity has hugely increased, becoming a worldwide acclaimed artist. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are between the collectors of his work. Micallef has always shown his social commitment through his works of art. Now, the artist participates in the AKA Peace exhibition, an initiative by the well-known Peace One Day foundation, which is taking place at the Institute of Contemporary Arts. In an interview with London Glossy, Anthony Micallef talks about his latest project and his passion for art.

–       Why did you decide to become an artist?

For me there was no actual time or date I decided to become an artist. For me it is since a very young age. For me making art is just another language of expression. Making art makes me feel good so that’s why I make it.

–         What are the qualities that a good artist should have?

I think every artist should be able to look at their work objectively which is a very hard thing to do. An artist’s job is to grow and explore within their chosen realms. To be able to develop and change creatively and stylistically. It’s all about growing and learning and having the courage to try and push yourself creatively into unknown areas and hopefully learning from the past.

–        The mix of political imagery fused with contemporary expressionism has won you worldwide acclaim. The list of your success is very long but, do you remember a specific moment which was more special for you?

I think the very first day I was able to do quit my job and do this full time. I remember walking to my studio on my very first full day of work. It was the best feeling in the world.

–        Your artwork tries to report social problems and realities such as our relationship with consumerism. Now you are taking part of the AKA Peace exhibition as a way to report violence and the consequences of wars. Do you believe in the power of art to make people aware of social problems?

Of course. Music, Visual arts, Dance, Film all do this very well. Making people aware by using these mediums is the easy bit. It’s getting that awareness changed into actions that is the difficult bit. Great art should communicate so it’s a perfect tool to make people aware. The more people are aware of something the better. It can only help the cause.

How would you describe the artwork of the AKA Peace display?

I think my piece personally is about taking a weapon and incorporating the fear and the aggression but extracting it into something else. A bit like extracting a nutrient from a plant to make a medicine. I have taken the two AK47’s and implanted them into a panel/canvas to make a bigger piece of art. Incorporating them into a type of half human half animal face. I wanted to make something very visceral that talked about the primal instinct of war and violence. I wanted to retain the negative power of the weapon but exemplify it.

–       Why did you decide to take part of the exhibition?

It was something that just seemed so simple to say yes to. There is no hidden agenda. No political agenda. It’s just about wanting peace for one day. How can you say no to that?