Based in Philly and entirely self-taught, Mike Gordon’s practice is two-fold on completely opposite ends of the medium spectrum. Working in cybersecurity by day, he still devotes a substantial amount of time to his first love as a kid, art. 

On the one hand, he’s pushing his limits in the world of hyperrealism with his graphite and charcoal drawings. Exhibiting locally and internationally, Mike has devoted much of his practice to drawings that display a life-like quality with the goal of leaving the viewer questioning whether or not his work is a photograph. He’s inspired by artists Thomas Eakins and Andrew Wyeth, and in modern times, CJ Hendry and Emanuele Dascanio.

On the other, he’s exploring the world of color with his unique twist on the traditional Japanese marbling technique, "Suminagashi." He was struck by the whimsical and vibrant nature of the style. The difference here is that Mike is using the technique to create form and figure directly on canvas. Within each square inch on the canvas is entropy in action. Each block of marbling captures a unique moment in time frozen in vivid swirling hues that dance and dazzle the eye of the viewer. Perspective is an integral aspect of these pieces. Up close, the marbling itself is  primarily visible; from a distance, however, the form and figure take shape. It's a unique entry into  working with color and allows Mike a break from the tedious and time consuming graphite and charcoal works which can take 80-200 hours to complete. 
For Mike, art is incredibly meditative and allows for an otherwise chatty mind to be still.

2023

  • Mrs. Toolip Art Gallery International Competition-2nd place, Exhibition
  • TAG Gallery (LA) July Juried Invitational—Award of Excellence Winner in Drawing 
  • Art Fluent—Inner Sense Juried Competition, Best of Show
  • Martha’s Vineyard Drawing Prize-Finalist
  • Virtual exhibit with Teravarna Gallery, Los Angeles
  • Exhibit with The Holy Art Gallery—Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, New York, London
  • On exhibit with Laguna Art Gallery for May 2023
  • Artist Talk Magazine July 2023 Edition