Misha Libertee (Mikhail Tsaturyan) is a Los Angeles-based artist and multidisciplinary designer of Armenian descent. Raised in a creatively charged environment with both of his parents working in the fashion industry, Misha's early exposure to visual artistry shaped his passion for creativity. His childhood love for comics, music, and cinema laid the groundwork for his cultural inspirations, which later influenced the narratives within his artwork.
Misha embarked on his artistic journey through graffiti, tattoo artistry, and hand-painted clothing, all while studying art at a private school in St. Petersburg. Immersed in hip-hop and pop culture, his favorite historical period remains the Renaissance era, so he not only remembers the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by names but also knows after whom they are named.
His professional career started in China, where he worked as an industrial designer, creating children's toys, sports accessories, and wearable electronics. During his four-year stint in China, Misha participated in his initial exhibitions, primarily among the expatriate community.
In 2016, Misha established himself as a professional artist, combining his manufacturing expertise with his love for the arts. His inaugural public artwork, "D 1000," a fusion of Michelangelo's David and T 1000 - the liquid metal Terminator from T2, was featured in a sculptural park in Switzerland. This groundbreaking piece encapsulated his two major passions — pop culture and Renaissance art. Subsequently, Mikhail created a series of works employing this distinctive and ironic style, gaining recognition as a digital artist on the internet.
Since 2017, he has been a regular participant at Burning Man in the Nevada desert, showcasing his "Inflatable Candies" series, which features extremely oversized animalistic toys each with its own eco-educational mission. Notably, his 75-ft (23 m) #Slonik, highlighting the problem of elephants mistreatment in Africa and Asia, on Burning Man 2019 and #Vagr, a gigantic pink tiger unveiled at Burning Man 2023, are among the most celebrated works from this series.
Another signature collection of the artist is his "GOAT" (Greatest Of All Time) series, which features stained glasses depicting individuals who have influenced the development of modern civilization in various areas of culture, science, and sports. The author pays homage to people who have changed history, rather than mocking religious canons.
As part of this series, in addition to the unique handmade stained glass windows, the artist also releases a limited edition series of miniature collectibles called "Arc De Libertee." These miniatures serve as a tool for mass adoption, providing a relatively accessible entry point for a new audience into the realm of contemporary art collecting.
In 2023, Misha opened his own church in the Metaverse, serving as a permanent 24/7 digital exhibition space accessible from any corner of the globe, affirming his dedication to making art universally accessible.