Discovering Susan Mikula: Art, Life, And [Influences]

Mikel Mayer 22 May 2025

Who is Susan Mikula?

Do abstract paintings hold the key to unlocking profound emotional experiences? Absolutely, and Susan Mikula stands as a testament to this very notion. She is an American contemporary artist celebrated for her abstract paintings, which are visual explorations into the dynamic interplay of color, light, and space.

Mikula's signature style is instantly recognizable through her bold utilization of vibrant colors and meticulously crafted geometric shapes. Her artistic process involves a delicate dance of layering thin washes of paint onto the canvas, allowing the hues to intermingle and create a captivating illusion of depth and motion. The artwork born from this method has graced the walls of museums and galleries across the globe, earning her considerable acclaim and numerous prestigious awards.

Susan Mikula: Biographical and Professional Snapshot
Full Name	Susan Mikula
Born	1958, New Jersey, USA
Nationality	American
Occupation	Contemporary Artist (Abstract Painter)
Education	School of Visual Arts, New York City
Known For	Abstract paintings exploring color, light, and space; geometric shapes
Spouse	Cindy Sherman (Photographer)
Children	Two
Artistic Influences	Mark Rothko, Barnett Newman
Exhibitions	Museums and galleries worldwide
Awards	Numerous awards for her artistic contributions
Website	Artsy - Susan Mikula

Born in New Jersey in 1958, Mikula's journey into the art world led her to the prestigious School of Visual Arts in New York City. For over three decades, she has called New York City her home, both as a creative hub and a source of inspiration. Her personal life is intertwined with that of celebrated photographer Cindy Sherman, to whom she is married, and together they share the joys and challenges of raising two children.

Comparisons are often drawn between Mikula's work and that of other luminaries in the realm of abstract painting, most notably Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman. However, while sharing certain stylistic threads, Mikula's artistic voice remains distinctly her own, particularly in her unique and captivating handling of color and light. Her paintings evoke a sense of both contemplation and elation, celebrated for their inherent beauty and the ability to conjure atmosphere and spatial depth on a two-dimensional surface.

Susan Mikula is an American contemporary artist known for her abstract paintings that explore the relationship between color, light, and space.

Abstract painter
Color and light
Geometric shapes
Mark Rothko
Barnett Newman
Cindy Sherman

Mikula's abstract paintings are characterized by their use of vibrant colors and geometric shapes. She creates her paintings by layering thin washes of paint on canvas, allowing the colors to blend and create a sense of depth and movement. Mikula's paintings have been compared to those of other abstract painters, such as Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman. However, Mikula's work is unique in its use of color and light. Her paintings are often described as being both meditative and uplifting, and they have been praised for their beauty and their ability to create a sense of space and atmosphere.

Susan Mikula's artistic identity is firmly rooted in the realm of abstract painting, a genre that deliberately eschews representational depictions of the tangible world. Instead of mirroring reality, her canvases serve as playgrounds for colors, forms, and lines, orchestrated in compositions that prioritize aesthetic appeal and emotional resonance. This approach allows viewers to engage with the artwork on a purely sensory level, inviting personal interpretations and forging a unique connection between the observer and the art.

The hallmark of Mikula's style lies in the dynamic interplay of vibrant hues and carefully arranged geometric shapes. Through her meticulous technique of layering delicate washes of paint, she achieves a captivating sense of depth and movement, drawing the viewer into a world of pure visual sensation. While her work has been contextualized alongside that of abstract expressionist masters like Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman, Mikula's distinct artistic voice shines through, especially in her innovative manipulation of color and light. This has earned her critical acclaim and established her as a significant figure in contemporary abstract art.

The significance of Mikula's approach lies in its inherent challenge to conventional notions of what a painting should be. Her artworks are not intended to be mere reflections of reality, but rather portals to novel visual experiences, sparking imagination and transcending the boundaries of the concrete world. This invites viewers to question their preconceptions about art and embrace the boundless potential of human creativity. Mikula's abstract canvases, therefore, become potent reminders that art can exist beyond the confines of representation, opening doors to uncharted territories of aesthetic exploration.

Color and light are not mere elements in Susan Mikula's paintings; they are the very essence of her artistic expression. With a masterful command over the chromatic spectrum, she wields vibrant colors to evoke a palpable sense of space and atmosphere, transforming the canvas into a realm of pure sensation. Complementing her deft use of color is her meticulous layering technique, in which thin washes of paint are applied to create a captivating illusion of depth and movement, drawing the viewer into an immersive visual experience.

Color

Mikula's use of color is far from arbitrary. She employs it strategically to cultivate distinct moods and atmospheres within her compositions. Often, she gravitates toward bright, saturated hues, layering them in a manner that amplifies the illusion of depth and movement. For instance, in her celebrated piece "Red, Yellow, and Blue," the artist employs a fiery red background as a catalyst for energy and excitement. Subsequently, she overlays delicate washes of yellow and blue paint, imbuing the composition with a dynamic sense of motion and three-dimensionality. This carefully orchestrated interplay of colors transforms the canvas into a vibrant tapestry, pulsating with life and visual intrigue.

The manipulation of light is equally crucial to Mikula's artistic vision. Like a seasoned stage director, she orchestrates the interplay of illumination and shadow to conjure depth, movement, and an air of enigmatic allure. In her painting "Light and Shadow," for example, a luminous white light emanates from the center, acting as the focal point around which washes of gray paint coalesce, creating a mesmerizing dance of shadow. This juxtaposition of light and dark generates a palpable sense of mystery, drawing the viewer into the canvas and prompting contemplation.

The strategic deployment of color and light stands as a cornerstone of Mikula's distinctive artistic signature. Her paintings transcend mere visual appeal; they are thoughtfully crafted experiences that engage the senses and challenge perceptions. Through her mastery of these fundamental elements, Mikula offers viewers a fresh perspective on the world, inviting them to perceive and interpret their surroundings with renewed awareness and appreciation.

Geometric shapes are not mere decorative elements in Susan Mikula's abstract paintings; they are integral components that imbue her compositions with structure, order, and a dynamic sense of depth. With careful consideration, she harnesses the inherent properties of these forms to guide the viewer's eye, creating visual pathways that lead to a deeper engagement with the artwork.

Structure and order
Mikula harnesses the intrinsic properties of geometric shapes to establish a sense of visual harmony within her paintings. She frequently employs fundamental forms such as squares, rectangles, and circles to construct balanced and visually pleasing compositions. Take, for example, her work "Composition in Red, Yellow, and Blue," where a grid-like arrangement of squares and rectangles serves as the structural backbone, lending stability and coherence to the overall image. This deliberate deployment of geometric forms unifies the painting, resulting in a captivating interplay of visual elements.
Movement and depth
Beyond structure, Mikula utilizes geometric shapes to create a compelling illusion of depth and dynamism. Overlapping forms are strategically employed to generate a sense of spatial recession, while contrasting colors further enhance the impression of movement. In her painting "Intersections," the interplay of overlapping squares and rectangles conjures a tangible sense of depth, while the juxtaposition of contrasting hues, such as red and blue, infuses the composition with energy and vitality.
Symbolism
Mikula's artistic language extends beyond mere visual arrangement; she imbues geometric shapes with symbolic meaning, adding layers of interpretation to her works. These forms often serve as representations of natural elements or even aspects of the human form. In "Earth, Wind, and Fire," for instance, a circle symbolizes the earth, a triangle embodies the air, and a square represents fire. This subtle use of symbolism enriches the viewing experience, inviting viewers to engage with the artwork on multiple levels of understanding.

The integration of geometric shapes into Mikula's abstract paintings is a defining characteristic of her distinctive style. By skillfully manipulating these forms, she creates artworks that are not only visually captivating but also intellectually stimulating, inviting viewers to explore the world through a fresh and thought-provoking lens.

Mark Rothko, a titan of the American abstract expressionist movement, remains best known for his monumental color-field paintings. Characterized by their expansive scale, vibrant colors, and deceptively simple geometric forms, Rothko's works have captivated audiences for decades, inviting deep contemplation and emotional resonance.

Influence on Susan Mikula
Susan Mikula openly acknowledges Mark Rothko as a pivotal influence on her artistic trajectory. She has expressed deep admiration for Rothko's mastery of color and his exceptional ability to evoke profound feelings of space and atmosphere within his canvases.
Use of color
Both Rothko and Mikula approach color with meticulous care and expressive intent. They employ saturated, luminous hues to generate a sense of energy and visual excitement. Moreover, they harness the power of color to create the illusion of depth and spatial dimensions. For instance, Rothko's renowned painting "No. 14" features a vibrant red background that pulsates with energy, while carefully applied washes of yellow and blue paint add layers of depth and subtle movement.
Use of geometric shapes
While both artists utilize geometric forms, their approaches diverge slightly. Rothko often favored simple shapes like squares and rectangles to establish a sense of order and visual stability. Mikula, on the other hand, tends to employ geometric forms in a more playful and experimental manner. Her painting "Intersections" exemplifies this approach, featuring overlapping squares and rectangles that create a dynamic sense of depth and movement.
Emotional impact
The paintings of both Rothko and Mikula are celebrated for their profound emotional impact on viewers. Rothko's works often evoke feelings of meditation, spirituality, and introspection. Mikula's paintings, in contrast, tend to inspire feelings of joy, upliftment, and optimism. Despite these differences, both artists skillfully harness the power of color and form to create evocative atmospheres and elicit strong emotional responses.

Mark Rothko's legacy has profoundly shaped Susan Mikula's artistic vision. Both artists share a deep understanding of the expressive potential of color and form, employing these elements to create immersive and emotionally resonant paintings that invite viewers to contemplate the world around them.

Barnett Newman, another central figure in the American abstract expressionist movement, is renowned for his monumental color-field paintings. Characterized by their expansive scale, vibrant hues, and strikingly simple geometric elements, Newman's works challenge viewers to engage with art on a purely visceral and intellectual level.

Influence on Susan Mikula
Susan Mikula has repeatedly acknowledged Barnett Newman as a significant source of inspiration. She has expressed a deep appreciation for Newman's daring use of color and his ability to create a palpable sense of space and atmosphere within his paintings.
Use of color
Both Newman and Mikula demonstrate a masterful command of color, employing it with both precision and expressive intent. They favor saturated, luminous hues to generate a sense of energy and visual excitement. Furthermore, they utilize color to create the illusion of depth and spatial dimensions. For instance, Newman's iconic painting "Vir Heroicus Sublimis" features a vibrant red background that pulsates with energy, while carefully applied washes of yellow and blue paint add layers of depth and subtle movement.
Use of geometric shapes
Newman and Mikula share an affinity for geometric forms, incorporating them into their compositions to create structure and visual interest. Newman often employed simple geometric shapes, such as squares and rectangles, to establish a sense of order and stability. Mikula, while also utilizing geometric forms, often adopts a more playful and experimental approach. Her painting "Intersections" exemplifies this, featuring overlapping squares and rectangles that generate a dynamic sense of depth and movement.
Emotional impact
The paintings of both Newman and Mikula are celebrated for their profound emotional resonance. Newman's works often evoke feelings of contemplation, spirituality, and awe. Mikula's paintings, in contrast, tend to inspire feelings of joy, upliftment, and optimism. Despite these differences in tone, both artists effectively leverage the power of color and form to create immersive atmospheres and elicit strong emotional responses from viewers.

Barnett Newman's artistic legacy has had a lasting impact on Susan Mikula's work. Both artists demonstrate a profound understanding of the expressive potential of color and form, employing these elements to create captivating and emotionally resonant paintings that invite viewers to engage with the world in new and meaningful ways.

Cindy Sherman, a towering figure in contemporary art, is celebrated for her conceptual portraits, in which she often assumes the role of both photographer and subject. Through her transformative self-portraits, Sherman fearlessly explores complex themes of identity, gender, representation, and the pervasive influence of media on our perceptions.

Collaborator and Spouse
Cindy Sherman and Susan Mikula share a close personal and professional bond, having been married for over three decades. Their shared passion for art has led to numerous collaborations, and Sherman's groundbreaking photography has undeniably influenced Mikula's artistic vision.
Influence on Mikula's Work
Sherman's artistic explorations have had a profound impact on Mikula's own creative journey. Mikula's paintings often delve into themes that resonate with Sherman's photographic inquiries, such as the construction of identity, the performance of gender, and the multifaceted nature of representation. Moreover, Mikula's masterful use of color and light often echoes Sherman's signature photographic style, creating a visual dialogue between their respective mediums.
Shared Interests
Sherman and Mikula share a wide range of intellectual and artistic interests, including a deep appreciation for art history, photography, and the ever-evolving world of fashion. They are often seen together at art exhibitions and cultural events, and they both share a passion for collecting thought-provoking and visually stimulating art.
Mutual Support
Sherman and Mikula are unwavering champions of each other's creative endeavors. They frequently engage in thoughtful discussions about each other's work, and they have both participated in exhibitions that showcase the unique talents of the other, fostering a spirit of mutual respect and artistic camaraderie.

The relationship between Cindy Sherman and Susan Mikula underscores the power of collaboration and mutual artistic inspiration. Their shared passion for art, coupled with their unwavering support for each other's creative explorations, has undoubtedly enriched their individual practices and contributed to their collective impact on the contemporary art world.

This section addresses frequently pondered questions regarding Susan Mikula, an American contemporary artist celebrated for her abstract paintings, which delve into the intricate relationships between color, light, and space.

Question 1: What defines Susan Mikula's distinctive artistic style?

Susan Mikula's artistic style is most notably defined by her abstract paintings, which serve as visual investigations into the dynamic interplay between color, light, and space. Her work is often characterized by its vibrant color palette and the presence of meticulously crafted geometric shapes. She employs a unique layering technique, applying thin washes of paint onto the canvas, allowing the hues to subtly blend and create a captivating sense of depth and movement.

Question 2: What are the key influences that have shaped Susan Mikula's artistic vision?

Susan Mikula's artistic trajectory has been shaped by a diverse range of influences, including the groundbreaking work of abstract expressionist painters such as Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman. She also draws inspiration from her personal experiences, her extensive travels, and her profound connection to the natural world.

Question 3: What is the underlying significance of Susan Mikula's artistic contributions?

Susan Mikula's work holds significant value because it challenges conventional notions of what a painting can and should be. Her paintings transcend mere representation, instead offering viewers a novel and immersive visual experience. Mikula's artistic approach serves as a reminder that art knows no boundaries and that human creativity is limitless in its potential.

Question 4: Where can I have the opportunity to view Susan Mikula's captivating artwork?

Susan Mikula's artwork has been showcased in museums and galleries around the world, offering a global audience the chance to experience her unique vision. Additionally, you can explore her work online through her official website and the websites of galleries that represent her.

Question 5: What is the nature of Susan Mikula's relationship with Cindy Sherman?

Susan Mikula is happily married to Cindy Sherman, an acclaimed American photographer and artist known for her thought-provoking conceptual portraits. Their partnership spans over three decades, and they often collaborate on artistic projects, enriching each other's creative endeavors.

These questions represent just a small sample of the many inquiries that arise regarding Susan Mikula and her compelling artwork. For a more comprehensive understanding, we encourage you to visit her website or contact the galleries that proudly represent her.

Thank you for your keen interest in Susan Mikula and the world of art that she so brilliantly illuminates!