As a society, we are driven by the notion of celebrity and pop culture. We marvel at its grandeur and excess yet we equally revel in its pitfalls and toxicity. I am most certainly no different.
From my earliest years, I was mesmerized by my parents’ old magazine and album covers. At the time, the figures depicted in these photos were merely just that—figures. I couldn’t tell you their names or why they seemed iconic, but these images had a great effect on me.
My ICONIPOP series explores the realm of celebrity, popular culture, and society as a whole through some of the world’s most recognizable images.
Each painting has a drastically different and unique background which helps tell a story. Through the use of vivid color, bold text, and eye-catching patterns, each background enhances the figure at hand while simultaneously commenting on the individual—and society—from a rather cheeky perspective.
Ultimately, it is up to the viewer to come up with his or her own interpretation of the pieces in this collection; none-the-less, I hope everyone walks away with one common belief—that my work is fun. My goal with this collection, and every collection for that matter, is to evoke a positive reaction from those who view it. My art is most certainly supposed to make you think, but most importantly, it should make you smile.
– Michael Turchin
Michael Turchin; Amerikah
Michael Turchin; Dreamweaver
Michael Turchin; Awesome
Michael Turchin; Loves Me Not
Michael Turchin; Pucker Up
About the artist
Since his arrival to the international art scene in 2012, Michael Turchin has quickly become one of today’s rising stars in the Pop Art genre. Inspired by Hollywood’s effervescent pop culture, Turchin’s unique use of vibrant color, dynamic patterns, and unmistakable humor has established his modern signature take on retro celebrity-driven pop art. Turchin’s work has quickly garnered attention around the globe, and in just a few short years has become a favorite among Hollywood gitteratti including Kris and Kylie Jenner, Lance Bass, Nick Swisher, Sela Ward, Lisa Vanderpump, and NBC’s The Voice.
In early 2017, Turchin launched his highly anticipated limited-edition handkerchief line, TURCHIN, making his art accessible to the masses for the first time. Drawing from some of his most adulated works, TURCHIN intertwines art and fashion in a truly exciting new way. WEAR IT. FRAME IT. LOVE IT.