MAXIM

contemporary artist

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Bio

Born in Prague, the Czech Republic, during communism, MAXIM's artistic process began at an early age, at his uncle’s famous “attic-art studio” in old Prague, where he would get lost in labyrinths of large-sized canvas works while admiring their sheer size and play of color. Growing up under an oppressing regime, MAXIM developed an undying conviction to uphold the truth and the need to stand for all injustice. His work reflects his struggle between despair and longing for the prospect of humanity as a whole. 

In MAXIM's formative years, he attends the prestigious Graphic Arts school in Prague, where he obtains multiple degrees from graphic design, photography, lithography, calligraphy, and letterpress. During his studies, he takes several classes on drawing and painting.

MAXIM's need for expression, experimenting, and passion for music prompts me to learn to play guitar and drums during his teenage years. Later on, he joins the very notable band Posmrtne Zkusenosti, with whom he records a few songs, gets signed by EMI, releases an album, and consequently tours thus becoming recognized in the Czech Republic.

At age 24, he decides to move to the United States. Always driven by the need for adventure and new horizons, San Francisco, California is his first stop. Then onward to Chicago, where he spends several years and establishes himself as a successful designer working on identity branding and graphic design for multiple prominent clients of Chicago’s vibrant cultural scene. One of them being Doug Fogelson, one of Chicago’s most acclaimed photographer. Works from our collaboration are featured in Sonneteer (by Front 40 Press), a book of visual compositions on the built environment. 

MAXIM's continued quest for new horizons drives him to downtown Los Angeles in 2011. He is immediately drawn to it for its raw form and dynamic vibrancy.

It is here where MAXIM fully immerses in the raw urban scene and finally starts focusing solely on painting. He rents an atelier downtown LA where he spends most of his time while in Los Angeles.

MAXIM's yearning for new experiences, exploration, and inspiration brings him to places around the world where he soaks in all the different cultures, lifestyles, and values. His work is strongly influenced by real people’s lives and their stories. He draws his inspiration from studies of history, nature, cosmology, physics, and socioeconomic and political events (past and present). 

MAXIM uses mixed media applied on linen, canvas, paper, and other media. Ranging from acrylic paints, oil paints, oil sticks, oil pastels, charcoals, ink, spray paints, and other various materials, MAXIM implements different and experimental techniques to give his art a unique form. His work is known for heavy textures, symbolism, free-form, and fearless freedom of expression to the unforeseen quality of materials.