Esoteric eroticism in the paintings of Michael Parkes
American artist and sculptor Michael Parkes is the author of works that are known all over the world. The unusual style, which the author himself calls magical realism, distinguishes him from many talented, but prone to imitation, contemporary artists. Parkes is unlike anyone else and his work cannot be confused with paintings by other artists. They are mysterious, erotic and always filled with light.
Michael Parkes was born in 1944 in the small town of Sikeston, Missouri. The boy began to show a craving for drawing and modeling from clay in early childhood, and his parents strongly encouraged the child's passion. By the end of school, Michael had no doubts about who he wanted to become. The guy entered the University of Kansas, where he studied painting and graphics.
The artist himself says that he was disappointed in classical painting during his studies. Therefore, as soon as he received his diploma, he goes on a trip to Asian countries. Parkes spent most of his time in India, which captivated him with its ancient distinctive culture.
In India, Michael Parkes became interested in mythology, esotericism and philosophy. He stayed in an exotic country for several years and returned to the United States a completely different person. It was during this journey that the amazing style of the master was developed. It is not difficult to notice that the subjects of Parkes' paintings are closely connected with mythology: Indian, Mediterranean, Persian and Scandinavian.
Parkes considers Gustav Klimt to be one of his teachers. Anyone who is familiar with the work of the Austrian artist and decorator will notice his influence. The master himself says that he is also inspired by Surrealists and expressionists. Now Michael Parkes lives and works in Spain. At the same time, he, along with his wife, also an artist, annually visits India, where he finds an inexhaustible source of inspiration.