Christinex

MICKO

Someone once said, 'Each painting has a life of its own', here is something about my life.

I was born in Serbia, in an industrial town close to Belgrade. After graduating in electrical engineering from Nikola Tesla Institute, I soon found myself in a profession, which was no way suited to my personality. I was a dreamer living in a world of restrictions and rules where creativity and artistic beauty did not exist. The only picture in my head read 'high voltage dangerous to life' and only five colours existed. There must have been something more.

My interest in the arts was evident from a young age when I was overwhelmed to see any subject presented in an artistic form. My arrival to Malta in 1998 was a major turning point, as I decided to satisfy my creative urge and curiosity and devote myself to serious cooking, an art in itself. I took my interest to a deeper level and joined the Institute of Tourism Studies Malta.

Whilst working as a professional chef in a five-star property and later as a personal chef on a luxury yacht, painting was limited to free time, but I was determined to develop my talent and experiment ! By using the palette knife technique and choosing acrylic medium to combine powerfully, texture, depth, and detail I created patterns of paint that are unique. The skill in balancing the generous knife strokes have been a gradual test to creating a delightful effect, often described as my individual trademark. With my artwork gaining recognition, I focused my energy into the evolution of my art and talent, an artistic journey focusing on idyllic landscapes, Mediterranean scenery, people and life.

I held my first exhibition in 2007 and 3 consecutive solo exhibitions after that. Meanwhile, I take opportunity to exhibit my art in various places and establishments.

Today, cooking is part of my free time. I can live without colour on my plate, but I cannot without it on my wall.

Can you?