Mikel Frank is an experienced artist, educator, and curator who has dedicated his life to the arts. His 29-year tenure at The Metropolitan Museum of Art deeply influenced his career. He has curated numerous exhibitions in New York and Charlotte, NC, and exhibited globally with the Global Art Project. Frank collaborated on Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s The Gates Project and co-curated “MICA: Then and Now” at the Noyes Museum of Art.
His accolades include residencies at Wildacres Artist Residency and Goodyear Arts, and being part of the 2021 ArtPop Street Gallery class. He recently joined the board of the Guild of Charlotte Artists and works from his studio at VAPA in Uptown Charlotte. Frank was invited to a residency at South Porch Residencies in 2023 and received a Creative Mecklenburg Grant in 2024. His upcoming projects include “The Big Ass Canvas Show” and “Crossing Borders: We are All Immigrants.
When was just 10 years old, his mother asked if he wanted to pose for her painting class. This opportunity was more than a simple modeling session; it was the spark that ignited his lifelong passion for art. Watching artists intently observe, study, and render their subjects fascinated young Mikel. He was captivated by how each artist’s interpretation varied despite working from the same model. This early experience also introduced him to the collaborative nature of the studio environment, where artists shared techniques and ideas in their quest for continuous learning.
As Frank grew into his artistic identity, he retained a deep appreciation for both individual vision and collaborative synthesis. His slight colorblindness gave him a unique perspective on art, prompting him to prioritize light and value over color. This approach allows him to use color more abstractly, focusing on expression rather than strict color matching.
For Frank, making art is a visceral response to life’s complexities and the search for meaning and truth. He combines mixed-media techniques, abstraction, and mark-making to create a visual language that speaks to the viewer on multiple levels. His work is an amalgamation of abstract forms, recognizable imagery, and experimental techniques, all woven together to communicate metaphor and emotion.
Frank thrives on community engagement and collaboration. He believes that artistic creation is not a solitary endeavor but a dynamic interaction with other creatives and the surrounding environment. This philosophy is evident in his approach to art-making, where he often blends different mediums and techniques to explore new possibilities.
One of Frank’s notable works, “Shifted Construction Plate,” exemplifies his artistic philosophy. This piece, created in 2023, measures 57” x 72” and incorporates oil, oil stick, canvas collage, and pencil on canvas. The artwork is not just a standalone piece; it is the title work of a published book of paintings and poems.
During the pandemic, Frank embarked on an ekphrastic collaboration with poet Judith Christian. He sent her 23 images of his paintings, and she wrote 23 poems inspired by these works, using the titles as prompts. This collaboration resulted in a rich interplay between visual art and poetry, each enhancing the other’s impact. The project is a testament to Frank’s belief in the power of creative partnerships and the boundless possibilities that arise from such interactions.
Frank’s slight colorblindness has shaped his approach to art in profound ways. By focusing on light and value first, he can use color in a more abstract and expressive manner. This method frees him from the constraints of traditional color matching, allowing for a more intuitive and experimental use of color. His works often feature bold, dynamic compositions where light and shadow play pivotal roles, and color serves to enhance the emotional and metaphorical depth of the piece.
Community engagement is a cornerstone of Frank’s creative practice. He thrives in environments where ideas are exchanged, and collaborative projects are nurtured. This communal aspect of art-making is not only a source of inspiration but also a means of continuous learning and growth. Frank’s involvement in collaborative projects, like his work with Judith Christian, highlights his commitment to fostering a creative community and pushing the boundaries of traditional artistic practices.
Mikel Frank’s journey as an artist is a testament to the power of collaboration, the importance of community, and the beauty of individual vision. From his early days in his mother’s painting class to his current work as a mixed-media artist, Frank has always embraced the synthesis of diverse ideas and techniques. His focus on light and value, combined with his abstract use of color, creates a unique and compelling visual language.
In “Shifted Construction Plate” and other works, Frank continues to explore the depths of human experience and the search for truth through art. His collaborations, whether with poets or fellow artists, enrich his practice and expand the possibilities of artistic expression. For Frank, art is not just a solitary pursuit but a shared journey, where every interaction and collaboration adds a new dimension to his work.
