The New York Art Expo Fine Arts Fair 2023 launched on March 30th-April 2nd at Pier 36 in New York City. Artexpo New York is one of the world’s largest art trade shows and champions the power of the arts through innovative programming and exhibitions. The highlight of this great exhibition featured tween prodigy artist Mikail Akbar for the New York Unbelievable Exhibition.
A star-studded reception comprising 23 works on canvas and paper of various sizes ranging between $8,000 – $16,000 was held at the Modus10 – Rolf Benz Flagship Store in SoHo, New York, to welcome the world-renowned painter.
Art aficionados, socialites, gallerists and innovative artists gathered to see Mikail Akar and his latest works of art. Amongst the notable attendees were; Kerem Akar, Elvan Akar, Mina Akar, Francis Tan, Vincent Tam, Carmen D’Alessio, Tina Radziwell, George Wayne, Montgomery Frazier, Minnie Osmena, 0H10 M1KE, Cagri Kanver, Marsin Mogielski, Jose Castelo Branco, Sharif Sinclair, Neil Saltzman, Brigitte Segura, and Nadja Sayej.
Elvan Akar, Mikail Akar, Kerem Akar, Mina Akar (Photo Credit: Sean Zanni for PMC/Getty Images)
Accompanied by his mother, father and younger sister, Mikail welcomed conversation from all that attended the reception. He interviewed, signed artwork and even partook in a fun banter with the press about his favourite food. Shake Shack—particularly french fries with cheese.
Mikail was born in Cologne, Germany, in 2012. His career in the arts started by happenstance as a gift from his parents who gave him a small canvas and finger paints as an alternative gift to the toys already in his possession. Mikail’s natural ability immediately manifested itself, and to this day, he continues to paint at his studio in Cologne. Encouraged by his parents, Mikail continued to hone in on his craft with only the guide of online video tutorials to learn specific painting techniques. Soon after, his introduction to the art world began.
Mikail held several exhibitions in his hometown Cologne and cities across Germany, including Dusseldorf, Berlin, Hamburg and Munich. As international art collectors started to take notice of the young artist, he soon had shows worldwide from Vienna, Zurich, Istanbul, and New York City.
“Rose Man” (Acrylic on Canvas) and “Grey Saka” (Mixed Media on Canvas) by Mikail Akar (Photo Credit: VITALNYC)
As if curating such awe-inspiring works at ten years old was not staggering enough. The tween artist does not just limit his art to canvases. His most recent projects include a custom painting on the hood of a $450,000 Rolls-Royce motorcar and recently painting a wreckage part of the Airbus A310, which was exhibited in Cologne/Bonn airport.
Philanthropy also runs through the young artist’s veins. He has auctioned his work for good causes, such as the “Art Helps to Give” campaign. Mikail launched charity events in Turkey to aid local people during the 2020 earthquake with the Civil Protection Authority AFAD. In several collaborations, he has recently partnered with the mineral water brand Gerolsteiner with the Mikail Akar Artist Edition, where Mikail’s art was printed on more than 17 million water bottles. He has also painted numerous times with German celebrities such as Höhner, Laith Al-Deen, Manuel Neuer and Peter Maffay. He has appeared on “Klein Gegen Gross” moderated by Kai Pflaume – one of Germany’s most highly rated entertainment shows.
Furthermore, Mikail is working on a secret project where he’ll create a 165 ft. (50 meters) long canvas painting.
Mikail Akar==
MIKAIL AKAR – UNBELIEVABLE – Opening Reception==
Modus10, New York, NY==
March 31, 2023==
©Patrick McMullan==
Photo – Sean Zanni/PMC==
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“Best Friends” (Acrylic on Canvas) by Mikail Akar (Photo Credit: VITALNYC)
Despite all the accolades and adventures as a creative artist, Mikail has remained incredibly humble. His like life back home in Cologne is still that of a normal child, going to school and a wholesome family united and supported by his parents and two siblings.
For more information, please visit https://mikailakar.de/, MIKAIL AKAR (@mikails_galerie) • Instagram photos and videos
Written by: Ashley Foster
