Michael Birawer
American Artist (Born 1971, St. Paul MN USA)
Nationally-acclaimed artist, Michael Birawer, has brought a new look to the face of urban neighborhoods through his unique style of painting. A combination of graffiti, cartoon, illustration and heavy textures, his paintings have received praise from both art critics and patrons, who describe his work as "one of the best examples of the contemporary revival of urban art."
When asked about his work Birawer states, "In my work, I strive to capture the connections between people and place that create identity. Where we stop for coffee in the morning, have a beer with a friend, or attend a sporting event - all become a part of who we are as individuals, neighbors, and community members. By exaggerating the personalities of the people and architecture, I hope to inspire emotions and evoke memories for the viewer; feelings that may go unnoticed or under-appreciated in the routine of life. Additionally, I hope that my work makes people think about the importance of community in a world that seems to be increasingly individualistic."
Michael has sold over 170 original works depicting scenes of Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Seattle, Chicago, Las Vegas, Portland, Washington DC, New York, San Francisco, Vancouver and Calgary. Additionally, he has completed commissions for the Minnesota Twins, Rick Bronson's House of Comedy, the Minnesota Orchestra, the Minnesota State Fair, Adler Planetarium in Chicago, the 65th Anniversary of Seafair in Seattle, and the 50th Anniversary of the Museum of Flight.
Birawer was born, raised and currently lives in the Twin Cities.