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Miripolsky - n. 1. World renowned artist who pushes the limits in many media, creating his own brand of expression in painting, sculpture, mobiles, graphics, sets and costumes; groundbreaking provocateur who marries idioms of art, music, and film; name translated in Russian means “fields of peace.” 2. The Cole Porter of Pop. |
The Artist Today
From Elton To Barbie and Everything In Between
Andre Miripolsky’s keen understanding of pop imagery and energy has resulted in collaborations with Elton John (famous Central Park “Piano Key” costume and 1997 stage acts for his “Tonight Show” appearance), Bette Midler (album package/visual design for her worldwide “DeTour”), Quincy Jones, Rolling Stones, Gato Barbieri, Robin Williams, Beastie Boys, Cheap Trick, MTV and “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno.
Commissioned by MTV’s “Rock and Jock B-Ball Jam,” Miripolsky made basketball history by painting a mural directly on UCLA’s center basketball court at Pauley Pavillion. Its colorful presentation became the top-rated show of the ’92–’93 MTV Season, creating something never seen before or since.
From 1997 – 2004, Miripolsky was commissioned by NBC’s “The Tonight Show” to create and paint a considerable collection of huge scenic paintings and floors for the guest bands’ segment of the show. This was the first time in the over 50 year history of “The Tonight Show” that NBC commissioned an outside visual artist to create original scenic art of this scale. The work has since appeared on well over one hundred broadcasts playing with a dazzling variety of musical artists, and creating a ground-breaking concept in television production values.
An “Absolut Artist of the ’90s,” Miripolsky created his inaugural Absolut Vodka ad in 1991. Since then he has been involved with several successful campaigns for this company. In 1996, Absolut invited Miripolsky to paint live on their world wide web site. The resulting art show was broadcast for an entire week as part of their “Human Ant Farm” endeavor. In the fall of 1997, San Francisco saw its landmark billboard go day glo for Absolut Miripolsky. The billboard was so well received, it stayed up for the next two years.
In 1998, Miripolsky combined his ecological commitment with his graphic vision when he created the visual look for ElectroBike, an American electric bicycle manufacturer. He also created a custom art paint job for a special limited edition “Captain America” motor-canvas ElectroBike.
He continued to have one man art shows throughout the ’80s and ’90s. In the Spring of 2000, Miripolsky was invited to have a 25 year career retrospective showing at the Vincent Price Gallery at East Los Angeles College. Included were choice examples of his various creative directions spanning three decades, all represented in a full-color oversized catalog produced with state of the art printing technologies.
In 2002 and continuing through 2007, Miripolsky collaborated with the multinational Terumo Medical corporation, the world’s largest blood products manufacturer. He was asked to take the shape of their blood collection bag and graphically give it his unique touch. In a field of very conservatively packaged products, his successful involvement created a mini design revolution in the industry. He accepted a challenge and persevered.
Starting in 2004 and continuing into 2005, Miripolsky was asked to rebrand the look and identity for the Jewish Chabad’s “L’Chaim To Life” internationally broadcast telethon. Not only did he introduce color, but it was day glo with blacklight. His vision of new life and energy was radical, yet somehow very human, embracing, and extremely well-received.
In 2005, Miripolsky was asked by the famous toy company Mattel if he would lend his unique approach in creating a one-of-a-kind “Art Barbie.” This challenge was exhilarating for the opportunity to work with such a universal icon. The results were both glamorous and glittering. This Miripolsky “Art Barbie” will make her debut in the near future.
In conjunction with the revolutionary redevelopment of Downtown Los Angeles, Andre Miripolsky was commissioned in 2005 by the Central City Association of L.A. to create a large 3-D wall sculpture depicting his vision of the exploding Downtown L.A. skyline. This image, coupled with his phrase “Viva L.A.” has blossomed to much acclaim and is very well on its way in the branding of the new and improved Downtown L.A.
In 2006, attracted by the “ViVA L.A.” imprint, Bentley Prince Street, one of the USA’s premiere carpet manufacturers licensed the phrase “ViVA L.A.” and partnered with Miripolsky to create and produce an innovative line of both broadloom and carpet tile under the “ViVA L.A.” banner. The response has been magnetic as the signature carpet collection makes its way in the marketplace.
Continuing his long-time vital collaborations with ever-widening musical idioms, Miripolsky in 2007 created a performance art piece for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. In exactly 36 minutes, Miripolsky painted a 7 ft. x 24 ft. image depicting his interpretation of Maurice Ravel’s “Mother Goose Ballet” surrounded by the overwhelming sound of an 87-piece orchestra.
In 2008, Bert and Andre Miripolsky, father and son, were invited to present a joint retrospective showing at the “DA Center For The Arts” in Pomona, California. In this wonderful public community gallery space the vibrant colors of both artists struck a golden note with the audience of California’s Inland Empire. Much good word was spread and was a great opportunity to see the influence of the father’s vision upon the son.
In celebration of their 40th anniversary in 2008, Los Angeles’ own Aardvark Letterpress commissioned 18 local artists to create images based on the once popular Mexican card game “Lotteria”, but with a specific L.A. Twist. Each artist designed a 13”x20” drawing with their interpretations and visions of life in the City of Angels. Andre was given the name “Los Angeles” to work with and used the iconic City Hall bursting forth with oranges and trumpeting angels to present a hip-hop pop art vision of the city.
Following in his musical roots Miripolsky was indeed honored by the L.A. High School Choir Festival in 2009 to create an original graphic celebrating their 20th anniversary held at Disney Hall. There were 26 high schools represented with over 900 students singing at any one time. It was a glorious sound to be heard!
In 2010 Miripolsky was asked by the Central City Association of Los Angeles if he could update his now famous downtown “Cityscape” image which they had commissioned originally in 2005. The challenge was including many new fantastic developments, primarily L.A. Live and surroundings. Once again Andre was up to the task and the exciting “new” Cityscape made its grand debut at CCA’s 2010 annual fund raiser, “Treasures of Los Angeles”.
In the same year Miripolsky was commissioned to do a colorific full room mural in the entrance of the Allied Crafts Building, a 1928 Art Deco wonderland, right in the heart of L.A.’s Fashion District.
At the start of 2011, based on his long-lasting stained glass “L.A. Historama” mural proposal, Miripolsky was commissioned by the museum of Monterey to adapt this idea to create a “Monterey Historama” as a 10’x55’ mural printed on vinyl and installed in the main exhibition hall of the museum. The vision was to use relevant historical and iconic imagery from the Monterey County area, stringing them together in a way that is both colorful and entertaining. Every image, for educational value, has a backstory going with it. He was also asked by the museum to hand paint another mural on a 275’ long wood fence which wrapped around the museum located at Custom House Plaza. He came up with a vibrantly moving “wave” motif to celebrate the Big Sur area. Andre was much honored to have this opportunity to create the largest public arts installation in Monterey County, located at one the most prime historical locations in all of California.
Coupling this newly developed “wave”motif with his now famous “ViVA L.A.” catchphrase, he was very excited to be able to design an electronic billboard image for CBS outdoor to be displayed city wide as a public service message through 2011-2012. From time to time they have been popping up all over.
Upon returning from Monterey, Andre was asked if he’d participate in a group of five artists for an art show entitled “Downtown Legends” held at the Artshare Gallery in Downtown’s Arts District. These outstanding artists were selected not only for their extraordinary artistic merit, but also for their significant contributions to the community.
Continuing his commitment in representing Los Angeles with the greatest joie de vivre, he was asked by Red Line Tours, the only walking tour in historical Hollywood, to create a commemorative ticket series called “The Icons of Hollywood.” These illustrations would represent Hollywood chiefly through its architecture on a series of 3 collectable tickets used every day by their customers. The 2012 inaugural ticket series made its splashy premier at the Egyptian Theatre on Hollywood Blvd. in January. Miripolsky will continue this “special ticket” installment each year depicting iconic themes of Hollywood.
In 2012 Los Angeles will also be seeing huge modern double-decker buses wrapped in vinyl designs representing Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Downtown, commissioned by Starline Tours. The buses will make their debut in April and will be on the road throughout this year and next. Catch them when you can!
As a long-time board member and trustee of the Hollywood Arts Council, Andre was recently asked to conceptualize and oversee decoration of a piano involved in a world wide public music and art program. Literally hundreds of working pianos have been placed in very public areas in major cities throughout the world. The program is called, “Play Me, I’m Yours” and its intent is to continue to beautify the world through the arts. The Miripolsky/Hollywood arts piano will be decorated in a mosaic of mirror tiles to best reflect the glamor of Hollywood. It will reside in the forecourt of the Egyptian theatre starting in April.
Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Man
Born in Paris, Miripolsky’s father was Cultural Advisor for the American Foreign Service and also an artist. The family lived in a series of exotic landscapes including Iran, Thailand, Austria, France, Indonesia and Korea. Miripolsky was immersed and surrounded by art since his youth. By age eight he was working with oils and by age ten he sold his first painting to the American Ambassador of Indonesia. After graduating High School in Seoul, Korea, he headed to the California Institute of the Arts. The artist left after two years to pursue a classical acting career before finally centering his creative axis around the canvas and all things visual.
The Artist In Japan
Miripolsky is one of Japan’s most beloved contemporary American artists after working extensively there since the mid-’80s. Miripolsky’s critically acclaimed projects in the Far East include his national gala premiere at the Spiral Hall Multimedia Gallery in Tokyo; a multimillion dollar ad campaign for a series of Tokyo FM radio stations; album covers, video and tour designs for musical legend Tatsuro Yamashita and pop singer Yoko Oginome; in addition to custom stage sets for Japan’s “Gold Disc Show” for four consecutive years (equivalent to America’s Grammy Awards). Over the past several years, Miripolsky has sold over 200 paintings through his representative galleries in Japan. His latest one-man show in Tokyo in the fall of 2002 continued to hold loyal support from both admirers and collectors alike. He looks forward to continuing an exciting career in Japan.
Art And Social Consciousness
Miripolsky’s deep commitment and participation in timely social and political causes is reflected in the artistic vision he brings to these organizations. In 1991, he contributed a key work depicting “Culture for Freedom and Democracy” for the United Nations Artist and Performers Against Apartheid Symposium.
In 1993, Miripolsky was commissioned by the Director’s Guild of America to create a new look for “The Artist’s Rights Foundation” (founded by Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and Martin Scorsese).
In 1995 he designed a limited-edition poster to raise funds for inner city youth of Chicago. Along the same lines, he has been working for several years with Pro-Peace, AIDS Project Los Angeles, and Artists for Disarmament, to name a few.
In 1993–1994, Turner International commissioned original Miripolsky artwork to coincide with the “First Festival of American Film Treasures” in St. Petersburg, Russia as well as a six-city Russian tour of the MGM classics. Miripolsky joined both Ted Turner and Jane Fonda for these events in Russia.
In 2001, he created the graphic for the “Jammin’ for Salmon Festival” in Portland, Oregon to benefit salmon preservation.
Miripolsky was honored to have been asked to contribute his world-famous graphic slogan “Fear No Art” to KCRW 89.9 FM to represent the station during their summer, 2001 fundraising campaign. In 2003 he contributed graphic design for another public radio station in Los Angeles, KPFK 90.7 FM, for its spring fund drive.
In 2002, Miripolsky was included in the Community of Angels public arts program. Over one hundred wonderfully decorated art angels graced the Los Angeles cityscape, creating a vibrant sense of wit, soul and energy. Miripolsky’s “Angel Under Wraps” was completely adorned in various colors of gaffer’s tape and was sponsored by Roy Disney’s Shamrock Holding Co.
In 2005, Miripolsky contributed to a beautiful limited-edition portfolio featuring the works of 20 outstanding international artists who share a passion for helping children. Colors of Freedom, the sponsoring Canadian foundation, is devoted to bringing children of the world together through a constant exchange of ideas, cultures and shared experiences.
Throughout the rest of the 2000s, Miripolsky has stayed his course in reaching out a helping hand whenever called to serve. In 2009 Jeffrey Sparr, artist and founder of Peace Love Studio of Rhode island, approached him to be involved in his program enlisting art to help in a profound way with mental illness. Peace Love Studio is a growing national community of mental advocates and artists creating acceptance, understanding and hope for the millions of individuals living with mental illness. This was a hands on opportunity to use the power of art to inspire and create better self awareness.
Miripolsky literally turned up on the front doorway of “PAWS L.A.” In downtown Los Angeles in 2011 to paint a mural entrance welcoming visitors. “PAWS L.A.” Is an important and wonderful non-profit, helping disadvantaged people keep “love” in their hearts and lives through their beloved pets. They have been doing this great work for over 25 years.
Andre Miripolsky currently serves on the boards of the L.A. Art Alliance, the Downtown Artwalk and the Hollywood Arts Council.
Art And Film
In 1993, Miripolsky released his first short film “Fear No Art! A Crash Course in Reality,” which tells of a 1984 automobile accident which sparked a spiritual rebirth. This multiple award-winning film has appeared at many film festivals including the prestigious 1993 “Annual Visions of U.S. Video Competition” sponsored by Sony and the American Film Institute. His interest in film and animation remains strong. In 2002 he produced, designed and directed the main animated title sequence for the feature film Searching for Angela Shelton.
For a better understanding of the scope his work, a great many of Miripolsky’s paintings, sculptures and graphics can be sampled at www.Miripolsky.com.
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