Mike Reesé's works utilize archetypes and semiotics to explore and build new context of visual language through storytelling. The works’ narratives surface from tension, harmony, joy, pain fantasy, and brut reality. Reesé uses sculptural painting techniques alongside principles of color field and expressionism to build the form and color of the works. He uses unique components that are significant to his life to cultivate universal connectivity; motifs such as floral, taxidermy, clowns and his own alphabet to create proprietary worlds and identities through his art.
Mike Reesé (pronounced Ree-say) grew up in Mid-City Los Angeles and began sharing his art at age 14; customizing shoes, accessories and selling his t-shirt designs to his classmates. Soon after, he attended Otis College of Art & Design to study communication arts.
Mike Reesé currently lives and works in Los Angeles. Reesé is the co-founder of DREAMHAUS, a 501c(3) arts non-profit organization that provides internships, creative programming and experiences to students and their creative community since 2014. In addition, he is the active Art Director for the independent record label and cultural imprint, The OpM Company.
CV
Thought-Forms
Curated by Joshua Oduga
80 Rue De Turenne : Paris, FR
2023
Love Letters to LA
Curated by Keith Estiler
Sized Studio : Los Angeles, CA
2023
Iz-Us
Curated by Eduardo Medrano & Alfonso Gonzalez Jr.
John Doe Gallery : Los Angeles, CA
2023
Boyz II Beasts Act 1: No Soul Left Behind
(Solo Exhibition) Curated by Joshua Oduga
Central Server Works : Los Angeles, CA
2023
Colored
Curated by Al-Baseer Holly
The Mann Center at Fairmount Park : Philadelphia, PA
2023
Continuum
Curated by Khalil Kinsey
SoFi Stadium : Los Angeles, CA
2022
In Bloom
Curated by Roosi
Padre Gallery: New York, New York
2021
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The Democracy Project
Virtual group show by Artillery Magazine
2020
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The Terrordome
BlackBook Gallery: Denver, CO
2020
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Belly of the Beast
Curated by Mike Reesé
Los Angeles, CA
2020
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Dreamhouse Vs. Punk House (plus Cat House)
Serious Topics Artist Run Space
Curated by Kristin Calabrese, Joshua Aster & Torie Zalben
Los Angeles, CA
2019
Saturday Mornings
Collaboration with Al-Baseer Holly
Brice Lurie Gallery: Los Angeles, CA
2018
Chico
Curated by Kim Salabimbam & Damariz Rivera
Claremont Graduate University: Claremont, CA
2017
A Kid at Heart
Collaboration with Al-Baseer Holly
De Rey Gallery: Los Angeles, CA
2017
Childhood Access Memories
Collaboration with Al-Baseer Holly
Known Gallery: Los Angeles, CA
2015
Forever Young
YOUTH Fairfax: Los Angeles, CA
2013
Selected Works
ThinkTank Gallery: Los Angeles, CA
2012
LA, NY, TOKYO
Portfolio360Melrose: Los Angeles, CA
2011
Revelations (Solo Exhibition)
BlackmarketLA: Los Angeles, CA
2011