By Senay GOKCEN | Editor-in-Chief
On September 21, 2024, visual artist and designer Greg Mike unveiled his new art gallery, ABV Gallery, with a long-awaited solo exhibition—a decade after his last one.
Photo by Dave Roland
This event marks a significant milestone in Greg Mike’s impressive career as an artist, designer, and creative director, solidifying his impact on the art scene in Atlanta, Georgia. The “Chapter New,” presents the evolution and exciting new directions of the Atlanta-based artist.
Photo by Dave Roland
“Chapter New” embodies Greg Mike’s artistic evolution, where his signature characters burst with energy and movement across each piece. This exhibition represents Greg Mike’s mission to promote positivity and self-expression through his dynamic use of color and form.
The grand opening receptions took place on September 20 and 21 at ABV Gallery’s newly renovated location in the heart of East Atlanta Village (EAV).
Photo by Dave Roland
Drawing inspiration from 15 years of artistic exploration, “Chapter New” showcases a diverse array of styles and influences, with new and unreleased works, including vibrant paintings, sculptures, limited edition prints, vinyl figures, apparel, and more.”
Photos by Dave Roland
ABV Gallery + Building
Following a three-year renovation, the new EAV location is now more than six times larger than ABV’s previous space in Old Fourth Ward.
Photo by Dave Roland
This brand-new gallery spans 8,500 square feet and the massive transformation plays a crucial role in the overall exhibition, symbolizing a new chapter for both Greg Mike and ABV Gallery and marking a new milestone in Greg Mike’s impressive career as an artist, designer, and creative director.
ABV Gallery Building Space
Photos by Dave Roland
Photo by Dave Roland
Photo by Dave Roland
The grand opening receptions took place on September 20 and 21 at ABV Gallery’s newly renovated location in the heart of East Atlanta Village (EAV).
Photo by Dave Roland
ABV Gallery Shop
Greg Mike introduced large-scale sculptures made from materials like fiberglass and metal, bringing his characters to life in a three-dimensional form. He also created limited edition prints, vinyl figures, apparel, and other merchandise available for purchase at the gallery shop.
Photo by Dave Roland
Works for sale are available here on Artsy.net.
Greg Mike’s “Chapter New” Q&A
In celebration of Greg Mike’s “Chapter New” Solo Exhibition, we are excited to share an exclusive interview with the renowned artist himself.
“Chapter New” marks your first solo exhibition in Atlanta in over a decade. What inspired you to return to the solo exhibition format after such a long break?
Greg Mike – Over the past decade, I’ve been exploring different avenues—collaborations, large-scale murals, and various creative projects. Solo exhibitions in particular allow for a deeper dive into my creative process and a more personal connection with the audience. ‘Chapter New’ represents a culmination of experimentation and growth through the years. It felt like the right moment to step back into this format, sharing where I’m at today, and where I’m heading next.
The title of your exhibition, “Chapter New,” suggests a new beginning or phase. How does this concept manifest in the works you’re presenting?
Greg Mike – The title ‘Chapter New’ is really about embracing change and evolution. Through the years, my work has grown, always pushing myself to explore new ideas and mediums. In this exhibition, you’ll see this reflected in each piece of the collection -through a mix of traditional and digital art, the introduction of new materials, and the way I’ve reimagined signature characters. I wanted to capture the feeling of starting fresh, while honoring the elements that have always been central to my work. It’s a balance between the familiar and the unknown, a continuation of my story, with a twist.
Your signature characters are known for their energy and movement. How have these elements evolved in your recent work compared to your previous exhibitions?
Greg Mike – In this exhibition, I’ve taken that dynamic spirit and pushed it further. I’ve been experimenting with new techniques and materials to give the characters more depth and dimension through layered textures and unexpected color palettes. The movement is still there, evolving into something more complex. I’ve also played with scale and interaction, inviting the viewer to engage with the pieces in different ways. My evolution is rooted in keeping the energy alive, while presenting in a way that feels fresh and aligned with where I stand as an artist today.
The exhibition showcases a diverse array of styles and influences. Can you discuss some of the new techniques or mediums you explored in creating the pieces for this show?
Greg Mike – For this exhibition, in addition to the other pieces of art, I introduced large-format sculptures using materials like fiberglass and metal to bring my characters into a three-dimensional space. Seeing them larger than life, beyond the 2D paintings and murals, has been an exciting new direction. It allows viewers to engage with my work in a more tangible and dynamic way, making the characters feel like they’ve stepped into real life. It’s a fresh approach that complements the other mediums in the show, expanding how my art can be experienced.
ABV Gallery’s new location is significantly larger than the previous space. How did the scale of the new gallery influence the way you approached this exhibition?
Greg Mike – The new space at ABV Gallery opened up a lot of possibilities. With so much more room to work with, I felt inspired to think bigger-both literally and creatively. I was able to create larger-scale pieces that take advantage of the gallery’s high ceilings and expansive walls. The increased space also allowed me to experiment with the layout, creating an immersive experience where each piece interacts with the environment and the surrounding works.
You mentioned that this is the most significant moment in your professional career. What were some of the challenges and triumphs you experienced during the creation of this exhibition and the renovation of the gallery?
Greg Mike – Bringing ‘Chapter New’ to life, along with the renovation of ABV Gallery, was a monumental task. One of the biggest challenges was balancing the creative process with the logistics of expanding the gallery.
Renovating the space to match the vision I had for this show was no small feat-there were unexpected delays, design changes, and the usual hurdles that come with transforming a space. On the creative side, pushing myself to explore new techniques and mediums came with its own set of challenges, like stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing the unknown.
Those challenges also led to the biggest triumphs. Seeing the gallery come together, piece by piece, and watching the new works take shape in that space felt incredibly rewarding. It’s been a journey of growth and perseverance, and now, standing on the edge of this exhibition, I can say it’s all been worth it. This moment feels like a true culmination of everything I’ve worked towards.
The exhibition features not only paintings but also sculptures, vinyl figures, and apparel. How do these different mediums contribute to the overall narrative of “Chapter New”?
Greg Mike – Each medium in ‘Chapter New’ plays a role in telling the broader story of where my work is headed. The paintings are the foundation-they capture the essence of my style with bold lines and vibrant colors. The sculptures take that energy and make it three-dimensional, inviting viewers to experience the characters in a more tactile, immersive way. Vinyl figures allow me to explore the playful side of my work, translating my designs into collectible pieces that people can interact with beyond the gallery. Apparel, on the other hand, takes my art further into the world, extending the narrative into everyday life. Together, these mediums create a cohesive yet diverse experience, where each piece builds on the others to reflect the evolution and new directions I’m exploring as an artist.
Your work has always aimed to promote positivity and self-expression. How do you hope “Chapter New” will impact viewers, both familiar and new to your art?
Greg Mike – With ‘Chapter New,’ I want to create a space where people can feel energized and inspired, whether they’ve followed my work for years or seeing it for the first time. My goal has always been to spread positivity and encourage self-expression, and this exhibition is no different. I hope viewers walk away feeling a sense of connection-to the art, to the emotions behind it, and to their own creative potential. For those familiar with my work, I want them to see the growth and evolution, and to feel that they’re part of this ongoing journey. For new viewers, I hope it sparks curiosity and invites them to explore their own forms of expression.
ABV Gallery’s new space in East Atlanta Village underwent a three-year renovation. How does the transformation of the gallery reflect or complement the themes of your exhibition?
Greg Mike – The transformation of ABV Gallery is very much aligned with the themes of ‘Chapter New.’ Just as the gallery evolved into a larger, more dynamic space, my work has undergone its own evolution.
The three-year renovation was about creating a place that could fully embody the vision I had for this exhibition-something fresh, bold, and forward-thinking. The new gallery space, with its modern design and expansive layout, mirrors the ideas of growth and renewal that run through the exhibition. It’s a perfect backdrop for showcasing the new directions I’m exploring in my art, and it allows the work to breathe and interact in ways that weren’t possible before. The renovation and the exhibition both represent a commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing change, which is at the heart of ‘Chapter New.’
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of ABV Gallery and your own artistic journey following the launch of “Chapter New”?
Greg Mike – For ABV Gallery, I hope it becomes a vibrant hub for creativity-a place where artists and art lovers alike can come together to experience and explore new ideas. I envision it as a space that continues to evolve and push the boundaries of what a gallery can be, supporting innovative projects and fostering artistic dialogue.
As for my own artistic journey, I’m excited to build on the momentum of ‘Chapter New.’ I hope to continue experimenting with new mediums and techniques, discovering fresh ways to express my vision. The exhibition marks a significant milestone, and it’s just the beginning. I’m looking forward to new collaborations, expanding my artistic horizons, and continuing to connect with people through my work. It’s all about embracing the next chapter and seeing where it leads.
(Interview, courtesy of the artist, Greg Mike.)
Exhibition details:
“Chapter New”
ABV Gallery
1206 Metropolitan Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30316
On until October 19, 2024
Hours:
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – 10am – 5pm
Wednesday 10am -5pm
Thursday – Closed
Friday – 10am – 5pm
Saturday – 11am – 7pm
Sunday – Closed
Greg Mike
www.gregmike.com | @gregmike
Greg Mike, an Atlanta-based artist and designer, has carved out a unique niche in the art world with his distinctive blend of bold lines, striking color palettes, and whimsical characters. Drawing inspiration from a variety of styles, Greg Mike’s work is a testament to his versatility and creativity. Over the years, he has captivated audiences worldwide with his large-scale murals, gallery exhibitions, and a wide range of creative projects.
ABV Gallery
www.abvgallery.com | @abvgallery
ABV Gallery is a contemporary art gallery that showcases emerging and established artists from around the world. Since its founding in 2010 by artist and designer Greg Mike, ABV Gallery has become a cornerstone of Atlanta’s thriving art community, showcasing works of art that challenge and inspire visitors.
ABV Agency
https://abvatl.com | @abvgallery
ABV Agency is a creative agency led by a team of talented artists, designers and directors. ABV specializes in working with artists and brands to create unique out-of-home and experience-based marketing. From custom painted murals and artwork to brand activation design and fabrication, our team of creators bring the most epic ideas to life. Founded by Greg Mike in 2010, ABV has become the premier agency for artist-forward mural installations, brand collaborations and design.
All images © 2024 Dave Roland, courtesy of the artist Greg Mike.
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