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These words of the sculptor Michael Wilkinson communicate the essence and underscore the universal appeal of his remarkable, life-affirming art. A Romantic Realist, with the ability to render the human figure in all its classical glory, he portrays humanity at its best. While rooted deeply in the classical and romantic traditions and influenced by elements of the Japanese esthetic, his art is unmistakably contemporary. With themes as universal as they are timeless, Wilkinson's work affirms the highest yearnings of the human spirit.
Michael Wilkinson's early training was unique preparation for his art. While serving in the Air Force as an illustrator, he was posted in Japan, where he studied Japanese art and architecture. The harmony and simple elegance of the Japanese esthetic made an impression on the young artist and he worked to integrate its principles into his thinking. The influence of classical western art was strengthened when, in 1978, he traveled to Europe. There he studied the great works of the ancient Greeks and Michelangelo. The result of these disparate influences is a synthesis of the strong classical heritage of the West and the refined simplicity of the East, evident in all of Wilkinson's work. Upon his return to America he moved to New York City, where he studied at the Art Students' League and the New York Academy of Art. Years earlier he had read The Romantic Manifesto by Ayn Rand and had become interested in her ideas about a category of art called Romantic Realism. Now he began integrating a radical, consciously held esthetic theory with his art.
From the beginning Wilkinson's aim was to work exclusively in bronze, but in 1984 he became interested in clear acrylic, finding in its optical properties new possibilities for conveying the ideas central to his art.
With over 20 years of experience in acrylic sculptures, Michael Wilkinson has become one of the most prominent and collected sculptors of our time. He now lives and works in New York City and is continuously invited by worldwide galleries, including Austria, Buffalo in U.S., France, Germany in Europe; Italy, Los Angeles, New York City, Poland, Scotland, United Kingdom,; Dubai and Japan in Asia, for solo exhibitions in the past 10 years. Represented in numerous private and public art collections worldwide - Royal family of Dubai and corporate company from US is now the most enthusiasm art lovers and collectors on his work - Michael has created a body of work known for its universal appeal and remarkable influence in the history of sculptures.
