Born on January 21, 1962, in Plungė, Lithuania, Vladimiras Nikonovas now resides and creates in Šėta, within the Kėdainiai district. A self-taught artist, Nikonovas has immersed himself in multiple artistic disciplines, such as photography, painting, and sculpture. He is especially recognized for his inventive approach to incorporating unconventional materials into his pieces.
His artistic process is characterized by ongoing experimentation and a devotion to daily creative exploration. By integrating elements from mechanical devices and everyday objects, Nikonovas expertly utilizes essential artistic concepts like form, color, and composition. With these atypical materials, he brings to life imaginative works depicting both real and mythical entities.
Every sculpture or assemblage by Nikonovas is crafted with exceptional care, frequently undergoing years of shaping and sanding before being finalized. These creations are displayed on distinctive surfaces—boards or slabs—that further emphasize their uniqueness. The finished artworks are notable for their originality and resourceful repurposing of ordinary materials.
Vladimiras Nikonovas has actively participated in the art world since 1989, both within Lithuania and internationally. He has taken part in several artistic projects, including seven iterations of the "Homo ludens" art forum, where his sculptures have become significant components of Jonava’s cityscape. In addition, his solo exhibitions have been presented domestically and abroad, solidifying his reputation as an innovative artist in contemporary experimental art.
About this artwork+
The artwork portrays a stylized representation of Mickey Mouse using industrial materials, conjuring a futuristic, robotic interpretation. The piece utilizes metal components such as large satellite-like ears and spherical eyes set into a metal face, which seems affixed to a streamlined, textured neck extending from a solid, rectangular base that appears to simulate a torso. This assemblage sits atop a segmented panel, divided roughly into two sections. The upper section texture subtly suggests aged, weathered machinery, while the lower portion boasts a smoother, dark finish adorned with circular motifs and additional geometric designs, all contributing to an overall aesthetic of vintage futurism.
