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Saturday, 12/22: Host John Semper Jr. talks with artist Andre Miripolsky
Part Two of the interview will be broadcast next week.
Miripolsky – n. 1. World renowned Los Angeles artist who pushes the limits in painting, sculpture, mobiles, graphics, sets, and costumes; 2. Born in Paris; raised in Iran, Thailand, Austria, France, Indonesia, and Korea; educated at CalArts in L.A.; name translated from Russian means fields of peace; an international creative force. 3. Maestro of his Kingdom of Color; the Cole Porter of Pop.
Andre Miripolsky’s keen understanding of pop imagery and energy has resulted in collaborations with Elton John (famous Central Park “Piano Key” costume and 1997 stage acts for his “Tonight Show” appearance), Bette Midler (album package/visual design for her worldwide “DeTour”), Quincy Jones, Rolling Stones, Gato Barbieri, Robin Williams, Beastie Boys, Cheap Trick, MTV, and “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno. His work has also been seen on the Absolut Vodka bottle as part of one of the most successful advertising campaigns of all time, featuring famous artists interpreting the brand for the label. UCLA’s center basketball court at Pauley Pavillion got a makeover for MTV when Miripolsky painted a colorful mural on it for MTV’s “Rock and Jock B-Ball Jam.”
More recently, Andre has turned his attention to projects that promote the revitalization of Los Angeles, including a large 3-D wall sculpture depicting his vision of the exploding Downtown L.A. skyline for the Central City Association of L.A. This image, coupled with his phrase “Viva L.A., ” has blossomed to much acclaim and is very well on its way in the branding of the new and improved Downtown L.A. His long-lasting stained glass “L.A. Historama” mural proposal is pending final approval for inclusion in the planned new Convention Center.
He continues to be celebrated in gallery shows and other special projects, including this year’s world-wide installation called “Play Me, I’m Yours,” a public music and art program. Literally hundreds of working pianos were placed in very public areas in major cities throughout the world. The program’s intent is to continue to beautify the world through the arts. The Miripolsky/Hollywood arts piano, decorated in a mosaic of mirror tiles to best reflect the glamour of Hollywood, resided in the forecourt of the Egyptian theatre.
Learn more about the artist’s “Kingdom of Color” at his website.
