We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michele Utley Voigt. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michele below.

Michele , appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Embarking on my “Domestic Situation Series” has been a profoundly meaningful and transformative artistic journey, encompassing five incredibly productive years of my career. This series represents a significant body of work, incorporating a diverse range of mediums such as large-scale oil paintings, NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), and digital presentations. At its core, this series delves deep into the exploration of the domestication of modern women within the context of transcendental feminism while embracing popular culture and icons.

Several factors contribute to the significance of this project:

Personal Investment: The longevity of this project and the works created demonstrate my personal commitment and passion for the subject matter. My relentless pursuit of artistic expression reveals the depth of my engagement with the topic.

Multidimensional Expression: By utilizing various artistic mediums, I’ve enriched my exploration of the domestication of modern women. Large-scale oil paintings allow for a traditional and tangible connection with my audience, while NFTs and digital presentations open up new avenues for engaging with a contemporary audience in the digital age. This multidimensional approach enhances the depth and reach of my message.

Timeliness and Relevance: Addressing the domestication of women within the context of transcendental feminism is a timely and relevant topic. It connects with ongoing dialogues about gender equality, women’s roles in society, and the pursuit of personal and societal transformation. These works contribute to these important conversations.

Social Commentary: This series serves as a powerful social commentary, shedding light on the complexities and nuances of domestication, especially as it pertains to women. It challenges societal norms, expectations, and stereotypes, prompting viewers to rethink and question these constructs.

Empowerment and Liberation: By exploring transcendental feminism, the work not only critiques the domestication of women but also offers a path towards empowerment and liberation. It encourages women to break free from limiting roles and expectations, seeking transcendence and self-actualization.

Art as Advocacy: My “Domestic Situation Series” transcends traditional artistry; it becomes a form of advocacy. It advocates for the rights, agency, and individuality of modern women, advocating for change and progress in society.

Emotional Impact: Art has the power to evoke emotions, and this series does just that. It elicits introspection and a visceral response from viewers, making them confront the complex emotional landscape of domestication and feminism.

In summary, the “Domestic Situation Series” is one of my most meaningful projects because it embodies not only my personal dedication and creative evolution but also a powerful message that resonates with contemporary society. Through a diverse range of artistic expressions and a deep exploration of transcendental feminism, I have created a body of work that challenges societal norms, advocates for women’s empowerment, and elicits emotional responses from the audience. This project has not only enriched my artistic practice but has also contributed to the broader discourse on gender equality and feminism.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am an internationally exhibited, award-winning artist. Known for my electric images of the human experience divulged from the female perspective. I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Otis Art Institute of Parsons School of Design Los Angeles and Parsons Art Institute, Paris. Additionally, I have a degree in Pre-Law, Political Science and Women’s History.

I exhibit in New York, Los Angeles, London, Florence, Miami, Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Connecticut, and Santa Fe. Annually I participate in major art fairs. Favorites include CONTEXT Art Miami, Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary, Art Wynwood, ARTROOMS London, Florence Biennale, and SCOPE. My work can be found in many private collections, museums, and institutions. I recently concluded a successful solo exhibition with Aston Martin at The Gallery, Aston Martin Residences, Miami, FL. Currently my work is available at the iconic Bergdorf Goodman.

I paint stories of the human experience. The soul of life, demonstrated in depictions of figures interacting within a realm of time, realities, and one another. The interconnectedness of all elements and time. What is seen and not seen. Known and not known. Contemporaneous, interacting, and incessantly influencing one another in a continuum of the past, present, and future.

My Domestic Situation Series, explores the systematic domestication of women, transcendentalism, and modernization of pragmatic feminism. These works gambol between the modern world of technology and the traditional world through oil painting applied using master’s techniques.

I create large-scale paintings, NFTs, and digital presentations that consider our modern caste system, aspirations for beauty, entrapment of desire, empowerment of luxury, and ultimate emancipation. My works explore systemic female conditioning and align the subjects within that realm while embracing cultural icons. The works explode with voyeuristic opportunities offering both the subject and the viewer moments steeped with escapism.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Art and advocacy are intrinsic to my identity and are seamlessly intertwined in in my life, reflecting my deeply rooted commitment to creating positive change. Here’s how they are interconnected and how I leverage art to bring about transformation while simultaneously running nonprofit community organizations focused on aiding and empowering people who have multiple barriers to maximizing greater independence in life.

Expression through Art: Art serves as a powerful medium that can convey complex ideas, emotions, and messages. My art is not just an aesthetic endeavor; it’s a form of expression that allows me to communicate beliefs, experiences, and causes I care about. Through my artwork, I can shed light on social issues, challenge the status quo, and give voice to marginalized individuals.

Advocacy through Art: My art has always been a means of advocacy, a tool for raising awareness about important societal issues. By creating art that addresses topics like domestication, feminism, and gender equality, I call attention to these issues and encourage conversations that may lead to positive change. My art aims to serve as a catalyst for critical thinking and dialogue.

Empowerment through Art: Art has the capacity to empower both the artist and the audience. Through my art, I empower myself by expressing my convictions and contribute to a larger discourse. Simultaneously, my art empowers viewers by inspiring them to question, learn, and take action. It can instill a sense of agency and motivation for change.

Not-for-Profit Organizations: My commitment to advocacy extends beyond the realm of art. I’ve taken concrete steps to make a difference in the lives of victims of violent crime and other marginalized people by running not-for-profit community organizations. These organizations provide tangible support, resources, and assistance. This hands-on approach has enriched my art and demonstrates my dedication to practical solutions.

Creating Change: When I graduated from art school I started an organization that trained and employed persons with disabilities in the arts. When I saw the impact the financial independence had on them I was driven to expand and empower more people through workforce development. My not-for-profit community organizations are instrumental in creating positive change at the grassroots level. They directly impact the lives of individuals who are most in need by offering them support, guidance, and a path to greater independence. This real-world impact complements the broader societal change that my art aims to inspire.

Synergy of Art and Advocacy: The synergy between my art and advocacy work is a testament to my holistic approach to creating change. My art raises awareness and sparks conversations, while my not-for-profit organizations provide tangible assistance and support. Together, they form a satisfying strategy for me to address the issues I am passionate about.

Inspiring Others: I hope my dual commitment to art and advocacy serves as an inspiring example to others. I aim to demonstrate that creativity and compassion can go hand in hand, and that individuals can use their unique talents and platforms to effect positive change in society. My work encourages others to find their own ways to make a difference.

In essence, art and advocacy are not separate facets of my identity; they are intricately connected and mutually reinforcing. My art is a vehicle for change, a means through which I engage with and influence society, while my not-for-profit organizations exemplify my dedication to practical solutions and direct support. Together, they embody my unwavering commitment to creating a better world for those in need and advancing the causes I hold dear.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

In essence, art and advocacy are not separate facets of my identity; they are intricately connected and mutually reinforcing. My art is a vehicle for change, a means through which I engage with and influence society, while my not-for-profit organizations exemplify my dedication to practical solutions and direct support. Together, they embody my unwavering commitment to creating a better world for those in need and advancing the causes I hold dear.

In the tapestry of my life, the roles of advocate, activist, and artist are threads that intertwine and weave a story of profound fulfillment and purpose. To me, these roles are not just labels but living expressions of my very being, each one contributing to the mosaic of my existence.

As an artist, I find solace and enchantment in the creative process. The act of transforming my thoughts and emotions into tangible forms, whether through large-scale oil paintings, digital presentations, or the groundbreaking world of NFTs, is a journey of self-discovery and exhilaration. I revel in the sheer beauty of the works I create, cherishing each stroke of the brush or pixel on the screen as a testament to my artistic vision. These pieces are not merely art; they are fragments of my soul laid bare for the world to see.

But my art is more than just aesthetics; it’s a vessel for messages that resonate with the core of my being. I infuse every piece with narratives that are close to my heart, messages that challenge norms, advocate for gender equality, and inspire empowerment. My art becomes a conduit through which I communicate with my audience, inviting them to explore the complex emotions and ideas that pulse within each creation. It’s a conversation starter, a mirror that reflects the world’s beauty and its injustices.

As an advocate and activist, I witness the transformative power of my art firsthand. It is here that the true richness of my life unfolds. My work is a catalyst for change, an agent of inspiration that touches the lives of individuals from diverse backgrounds. I’ve seen how my artwork resonates with people, evoking emotions, provoking thought, and prompting reflection. It has the power to awaken dormant passions and convictions within them, compelling them to question societal norms and take steps towards personal and collective transformation.

The beauty of my art and the strength of its messages are not passive; they are instruments of empowerment. They empower individuals to rise above limiting beliefs and societal expectations, encouraging them to embrace their uniqueness and strive for self-actualization. It’s an incredible privilege to witness how my advocacy and art have the potential to change the trajectory of people’s lives, propelling them toward empowerment, liberation, and self-discovery.

This journey, where art, advocacy, and activism converge, is a boundless wellspring of enrichment for my soul. It’s a profound connection to the world and its struggles, an avenue through which I can make a positive impact, and a constant source of personal growth and fulfillment. It’s the realization that I’m not just an observer of the world’s injustices and inequalities; I am an active participant in the quest for change.

In the intersection of these roles, I discover the true essence of my purpose. I am an artist, an advocate, an activist – each facet of my identity complementing and reinforcing the others. Together, they form a tapestry that speaks of beauty, change, and empowerment, and it is through this tapestry that I find my most profound rewards in life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mauvisual.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michele_utley_voigt/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mauvisual
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micheleutleyvoigt/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Michele_Voigt

Image Credits
Michele Utley Voigt