Born and raised in Connecticut, Greg Mike has made a name for himself with his vibrant, surreal art that fuses the playful energy of mid-century American cartoons with the bold intensity of street art. Inspired by his childhood trips to New York City, Greg began exploring the urban canvas as a teenager, channeling his love for graffiti and skate culture into his distinctive creative style. His work, characterized by vivid colors and mischievous characters, can be found on walls across major cities like Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles, and even as far as the Swiss Alps.

With a unique blend of pop surrealism and street art, Greg Mike's murals and studio pieces have garnered international attention, currently exhibited in galleries and museums from Atlanta to Paris, New York to Taipei. His influence stretches far beyond walls, bringing his signature artistic voice to cities and spaces around the world.

In this interview, we dive into the mind behind the art as Greg Mike shares insights into his process, inspirations, and his journey as a creative force.

"Chapter New" marks your first solo exhibition in Atlanta in over a decade. What inspired your return to solo exhibitions, and how does this show reflect new beginnings in your work?

It’s been a wild ride over the last decade—working on collaborations, large-scale murals, and other creative projects. However, the solo exhibition format has always given me space to dive deeper into my creative process and really connect with the audience on a personal level. 'Chapter New' represents that evolution. I’ve experimented with new materials and mediums, blending traditional and digital art while pushing the boundaries of my signature characters. It’s about capturing the energy of change, starting fresh, but also honoring the roots of my work. This show at ABV Gallery feels like the right moment to share where I’m at creatively and where I’m heading next.

Your exhibition 'Chapter New' features a mix of paintings, sculptures, vinyl figures, and apparel. What new techniques or mediums did you explore for this show, and how do these diverse elements contribute to the overall narrative?

For 'Chapter New,' I wanted to push my work into new spaces, both literally and figuratively. Alongside the paintings, I introduced large-scale sculptures made from fiberglass and metal, which bring my characters into a three-dimensional world. Seeing them come to life on that scale changes how people interact with the work—it feels more immersive.
The vinyl figures bring a playful, collectible side to the show, while the apparel helps extend my art into everyday life, taking the experience outside of ABV Gallery. Each medium plays a part in telling the bigger story of where my work is headed, blending the familiar with new techniques and forms.
*Together, they create a more dynamic, tangible connection for the audience.*

You’ve said this is the most pivotal moment in your career. What challenges and successes did you face while creating 'Chapter New' and renovating ABV Gallery?

Bringing 'Chapter New' to life while renovating ABV Gallery was a massive project. One of the toughest challenges was balancing the creative vision with the logistics of expanding the gallery. There were unexpected delays, design adjustments—everything you’d expect when transforming a space. Creatively, pushing myself with new techniques and mediums was challenging too. Stepping outside my comfort zone always brings uncertainty.

But those challenges led to the biggest successes. Watching ABV Gallery take shape, bit by bit, and seeing my new work come alive in that space felt incredible. It’s been a huge journey of growth and persistence, and now, with this exhibition ready to launch, it feels like everything I’ve worked for is coming together. This moment is definitely a milestone for me and the gallery.

Your art often features pop culture influences. What is it about these references that resonates with you?

Pop culture has this unique ability to trigger a sense of nostalgia that instantly connects people to their past. When I incorporate these elements, I’m not just recreating memories—I’m reimagining them through a modern lens, like how street art reclaims spaces or how today’s artists blend traditional and digital techniques. It’s about drawing people in with something familiar, but then inviting them to think deeper about identity, memory, and how we evolve over time. Pop culture references serve as that bridge, making the art feel approachable while encouraging a bigger conversation.

**Can you share a particularly challenging or ambitious project you’ve worked on recently?**

The build-out of ABV Gallery has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding projects I’ve taken on. I had zero experience with construction going into it, but I dove in headfirst and learned as I went. From choosing materials to designing the flow of the gallery, every detail was hands-on.
I wanted the space to reflect my own aesthetic, while also creating a dynamic environment to showcase the work of other artists. It’s been a dream to build a gallery that elevates the art viewing experience and serves as a platform for creativity. Seeing ABV Gallery come to life, knowing it’ll inspire both artists and the community, has made the whole process worth it.

What excites you about joining the local community with ABV Gallery, and how do you plan to engage and contribute as a new addition to the area?

Joining this vibrant neighborhood, East Atlanta Village, with ABV Gallery is incredibly exciting for me. As a new addition to the area, I’m eager to immerse myself in the local scene and contribute in meaningful ways. My goal is to be an engaged part of the community, collaborating with local artists, participating in neighborhood events, and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome. With 'Chapter New,' I hope to not only showcase my work but also connect with the community, fostering creative dialogues and building lasting relationships. It’s all about growing together and making a positive impact as part of this dynamic area.

After the launch of 'Chapter New,' what are your visions for the future of ABV Gallery and your own creative journey?

For ABV Gallery, I want it to keep evolving as a hub for creativity, where artists and art lovers can connect and push boundaries. I see it growing into a space that challenges what a gallery can be, bringing in innovative projects and sparking new conversations in the art world.

As for my own journey, 'Chapter New' feels like a major turning point, but it’s just the start. I’m excited to keep experimenting with new techniques and mediums, finding fresh ways to bring my vision to life. I’m looking forward to more collaborations, exploring new ideas, and continuing to connect with people through my work. This is just the beginning of the next chapter, and I’m ready to see where it goes.

“CHAPTER NEW“ A SOLO EXHIBITION BY GREG MIKE

SEPTEMBER 20TH AND 21ST

Visual artist and designer Greg Mike is set to unveil his new art gallery with a long-awaited solo exhibition. It has been over a decade since Greg Mike’s previous solo exhibition has been on display in his hometown of Atlanta, GA. The upcoming show, titled "Chapter New," will present the evolution and exciting new directions of the Atlanta-based artist.

The grand opening receptions will take place on September 20th and 21st at ABV Gallery’s newly renovated location in the heart of East Atlanta Village. Spanning 8,500 square feet, this brand-new gallery and event space will host a dynamic collection of Greg Mike’s latest creations from new paintings, sculptures, apparel, vinyl toys, digital art, limited edition prints, and a few other surprises.

This show invites attendees to immerse themselves in the imaginative world of Greg Mike by offering a remarkable collection of new original artworks that showcase his signature style of classic cartoons, street art, and graphic design.

This show will remain on display through October 20, 2024.