Pavel Miksik
Encyclopedia
Pavel Mikšík is a Slovak architect
and designer
working in the field of fountain
design.
, Czechoslovakia
. He was introduced to fine arts in early childhood by his father. In school he excelled in both drawing and technical subjects. His interest in design and architecture influenced the choice of his further studies - he decided on the Faculty of Architecture at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava
. After disappointment with the state of architecture at that time in Czechoslovakia, when any creativity was banned from architectural planning, Mikšík changed to the Department of Sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava
. He graduated in 1968.
Memorial. Later on he was awarded First prize in many other national and international competitions. His spectrum ran from bronze figures, ceramics, glass, artprotis, graphics and industrial design
. Mikšík workeds on a sailboat
project as well as an avant-garde sportscar "Esox", which became a buzzword in the media in 1974.
. It is a complex sound-water-light piece which provides daily concerts.
In front of the VUB headquarters in Bratislava this object was installed in 1996. Its purpose is to protect the ventilation entrance of the bank's air conditioning system. It was designed as a piece of art which has to satisfy various technical and security requirements. Materials used: stone, stainless steel, eloxed aluminum.
Fountain is literally growing out of the paving in front of the main entrance to the VUB Headquarters. The fountain uses a classic water management solution with an underground reservoir. During the winter, although without water (due to temperatures below 0) it is still a valued sculpture. The concentric composition gives an impression of a dynamic relief. The piece is made of granite
and polished and gilded stainless steel
. In the night hours it is lit with different light sources. Year of installation: 1996.
On demand of the local firefighters in Samorin the memorial with sculpture of St Florian has been created. This monument has been installed in 1994 next to the main entrance to the cemetery in Samorin. St Florian is made of bronze, body of the memorial of artificial stone.
Fountain embedded in front of the Town Hall in Karlskrohn (Germany). Created in 1993 as a winning project for international competition. The fountain is in principle an artesian well, with its own lights in the night time. This fact is the main idea of the project, which represents life-giving spring water opening the earth surface. The fountain is made of stainless steel and granite.
For the 750th anniversary of obtaining the municipal status in Trnava a jubilee fountain was created on the Main Square. The fountain consists of 750 jets aligned in a circular array. Made in 1990 from stainless steel and stone from the local quarry.
The fountain is situated in front of the Karolina's Source in the spa town Marianske Lazne. The sculptural part is composed of a bronze fan arch with natural motives, embedded in an opening granite plateau. This piece is impressively lit during the night time. Created in 1987.
This fountain patronizing the Cross Spring in the Eastern part of the spa colonnade in Marianske Lazne was created in 1987. It is a composition of convex shapes made of stainless steel, embedded into the stone paving.
Designed in 1977 for the Czech spa town Marianske Lazne for the centre of the colonnade. Since its creation The Singing Fountain has been the most admired and visited attraction in Marianske Lazne and surroundings. The attractiveness of this multimedia fountain created from granite and stainless steel lies in the regular evening concerts when the water, light and music creates a stunning choreography. Several famous music composers created music directly for this fountain. With its qualities and options, at the time of its creation, it was the only one of its kind in the world.
In the city park of the Aspremonte Palace; this composition of three drinking fountains. Various heights are respected and the smallest of the group is accessible to children as, who are often coming for a refreshment from the nearby playground. Made of marble
and stainless steel in 1986.
Installed in 1986 for baroque park Medical Garden with the aim to visually match with the style of the park. The choice of material was baroque
as well - bronze
and sandstone
. This fountain is able to create several water shapes and has its own light system as well. The pool has a baroque ground-plan, with park seating around it creating a beautiful scenery for the heart of the fountain which is composed of four bronze swans.
Situated in the garden of baroque Aspremonte Palace. A composition of 4 pigeons enjoying a quick bath in a fountain, created in 1986 in the place of original baroque fountain which has not been preserved. Main body is made of sandstone, pigeons are made of bronze.
Installed in the Mierove Square, created with coauthors T. Bartfay and K. Lacko
During the reconstruction of the Presidential Palace in Bratislava this fountain has been installed in the park opposite the palace. It is a composition of three girls playing with a ball and was created with coauthors T.Bartfay and K. Lacko. Made of bronze and stone.
Situated in the main square of a Slovak town Ziar nad Hronom, famous as one of the biggest aluminum producers in the economic region. This fact was taken into consideration for planning of the placement and shape of the fountain. Removed in 2000 due to reconstruction works.
Originally designed for City Park in Bratislava as a kinetic piece using sound and light effects. Mobile parts of the fountain were powered by water. Made of stainless steel resting on ceramic plateau. In 1986 moved to its current location.
This is the winning concept of an anonymous competition in 1970, for Dr. Vladimir Clementis memorial in Tisovec. This was author's first large-scale project after graduating from Art University and as a victory in national competition a good start of a successful career. The monument was made of stainless steel and granite in cooperation with J. Horvat. Installed in 1972.
(bronze figures, interior fountains, pictures, artprotis, glass)
Architect
An architect is a person trained in the planning, design and oversight of the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to offer or render services in connection with the design and construction of a building, or group of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the...
and designer
Designer
A designer is a person who designs. More formally, a designer is an agent that "specifies the structural properties of a design object". In practice, anyone who creates tangible or intangible objects, such as consumer products, processes, laws, games and graphics, is referred to as a...
working in the field of fountain
Fountain
A fountain is a piece of architecture which pours water into a basin or jets it into the air either to supply drinking water or for decorative or dramatic effect....
design.
Biography
Pavel Mikšík was born in BratislavaBratislava
Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia and, with a population of about 431,000, also the country's largest city. Bratislava is in southwestern Slovakia on both banks of the Danube River. Bordering Austria and Hungary, it is the only national capital that borders two independent countries.Bratislava...
, Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia or Czecho-Slovakia was a sovereign state in Central Europe which existed from October 1918, when it declared its independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, until 1992...
. He was introduced to fine arts in early childhood by his father. In school he excelled in both drawing and technical subjects. His interest in design and architecture influenced the choice of his further studies - he decided on the Faculty of Architecture at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava
Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava
Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava is the most significant university of technology in Slovakia.- University structure :* Faculty of Civil Engineering* Faculty of Mechanical Engineering...
. After disappointment with the state of architecture at that time in Czechoslovakia, when any creativity was banned from architectural planning, Mikšík changed to the Department of Sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava
Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava
The Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava is an academy in Bratislava, Slovakia.AFAD was founded in the year 1949 at the dawn of totalitarian regime in the former Czechoslovak Socialist Republic...
. He graduated in 1968.
Early works
During studies in 1966 he won first prize in graphic design competition for a magazine layout, which became his first real project. After graduation Mikšík won another First prize, this time for Dr. ClementisVladimír Clementis
Vladimír "Vlado" Clementis was a Slovak minister, politician, lawyer, publicist, literary critic, author and a prominent member of the Czechoslovak Communist Party. He married Lída Pátková, a daughter of a branch director of Czech Hypothec Bank in Bratislava, in March 1933. He became a Communist...
Memorial. Later on he was awarded First prize in many other national and international competitions. His spectrum ran from bronze figures, ceramics, glass, artprotis, graphics and industrial design
Industrial design
Industrial design is the use of a combination of applied art and applied science to improve the aesthetics, ergonomics, and usability of a product, but it may also be used to improve the product's marketability and production...
. Mikšík workeds on a sailboat
Sailboat
A sailboat or sailing boat is a boat propelled partly or entirely by sails. The term covers a variety of boats, larger than small vessels such as sailboards and smaller than sailing ships, but distinctions in the size are not strictly defined and what constitutes a sailing ship, sailboat, or a...
project as well as an avant-garde sportscar "Esox", which became a buzzword in the media in 1974.
Contemporary works
Mikšík has specialised in the creation of fountains, from interior and drinking fountains to large-scale monumental pieces. He approacheds his fountains as complete solutions, from water shape and engine calculations, to design of the whole monumental piece. One of his most popular creations is the Singing Fountain in the Czech spa town Mariánské LázněMariánské Lázne
Mariánské Lázně is a spa town in the Karlovy Vary Region of the Czech Republic. The town, surrounded by green mountains, is a mosaic of parks and noble houses...
. It is a complex sound-water-light piece which provides daily concerts.
Memberships
Mikšík is a member of Professional Artist Group ART-CLUB+8. He takes part in annual exhibitions. He works and lives near Bratislava, Slovakia.List of major works
- (2006) Monument with light effects in Zahorska BystricaZáhorská BystricaZáhorská Bystrica is a borough in northern Bratislava. It is a small borough with preserved peasants' houses and more recent modern villas and estates....
(Slovakia) - (2006) Fountain in Zahorska Bystrica (Slovakia)
- (2005) Fountain in the Main Square in SamorinŠamorínŠamorín or Somorja is a small town in western Slovakia, southeast of Bratislava.-Geography:The town is located on the Danubian Flat at the Žitný ostrov island, near the Gabčíkovo dam on the Danube. It is located around 17 km south-east of Bratislava and 25 km west of Dunajská Streda...
(Slovakia) - (2004) Interior fountain for a private mansion in Samorin (Slovakia)
- (2002) Memorial for local firefighters (Mliecno/Slovakia)
- (2000) Interior fountain for "Ceska Sporitelna" in PraguePraguePrague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Situated in the north-west of the country on the Vltava river, the city is home to about 1.3 million people, while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of over 2.3 million...
(Czech Republic) - (1999) Interior fountain for "Hvezda" Hotel (Marianske Lazne/Czech Republic)
- (1998) Fountain for a private mansion in TrnavaTrnavaTrnava is a city in western Slovakia, 47 km to the north-east of Bratislava, on the Trnávka river. It is the capital of a kraj and of an okres . It was the seat of a Roman Catholic archbishopric . The city has a historic center...
(Slovakia) - (1996) Monument for VUB (Bank) Headquarters (Bratislava/Slovakia)
In front of the VUB headquarters in Bratislava this object was installed in 1996. Its purpose is to protect the ventilation entrance of the bank's air conditioning system. It was designed as a piece of art which has to satisfy various technical and security requirements. Materials used: stone, stainless steel, eloxed aluminum.
- (1996) Fountain for VUB (Bank) Headquarters (Bratislava/Slovakia)
Fountain is literally growing out of the paving in front of the main entrance to the VUB Headquarters. The fountain uses a classic water management solution with an underground reservoir. During the winter, although without water (due to temperatures below 0) it is still a valued sculpture. The concentric composition gives an impression of a dynamic relief. The piece is made of granite
Granite
Granite is a common and widely occurring type of intrusive, felsic, igneous rock. Granite usually has a medium- to coarse-grained texture. Occasionally some individual crystals are larger than the groundmass, in which case the texture is known as porphyritic. A granitic rock with a porphyritic...
and polished and gilded stainless steel
Stainless steel
In metallurgy, stainless steel, also known as inox steel or inox from French "inoxydable", is defined as a steel alloy with a minimum of 10.5 or 11% chromium content by mass....
. In the night hours it is lit with different light sources. Year of installation: 1996.
- (1995) Fountain in the historical square in Dolny KubinDolný KubínDolný Kubín is a town in northern Slovakia in the Žilina Region. It is the historical capital of the Orava region.-Geography:Dolný Kubín lies at an altitude of above sea level and covers an area of ....
(Slovakia) - (1994) Interior fountain in the Hotel Butterfly in Marianske LazneMariánské LázneMariánské Lázně is a spa town in the Karlovy Vary Region of the Czech Republic. The town, surrounded by green mountains, is a mosaic of parks and noble houses...
(Czech Republic) - (1994) Fountain in front of Hotel Butterfly in Marianske Lazne (Czech Republic)
- (1994) St. Florian Memorial in Samorin (Slovakia)
On demand of the local firefighters in Samorin the memorial with sculpture of St Florian has been created. This monument has been installed in 1994 next to the main entrance to the cemetery in Samorin. St Florian is made of bronze, body of the memorial of artificial stone.
- (1993) Fountain for the Karlskrohn Town Hall (Germany)
Fountain embedded in front of the Town Hall in Karlskrohn (Germany). Created in 1993 as a winning project for international competition. The fountain is in principle an artesian well, with its own lights in the night time. This fact is the main idea of the project, which represents life-giving spring water opening the earth surface. The fountain is made of stainless steel and granite.
- (1993) Fountain in ChamCham, GermanyCham is the capital of the district of Cham in the Upper Palatinate in Bavaria in Germany.-Location:Cham lies within the Cham-Further lowland, which is bordered on the south by the Bavarian Forest and on the north by the Oberpfälzer Wald...
(Germany) - (1991) General Rastislav Stefanik's Memorial in Samorin (Slovakia)
- (1991) Interior fountain in the "Slimak" shopping centre (Bratislava/Slovakia)
- (1991) Fountain Spindleruv Mlyn (Czech Republic)
- (1990) Fountain in the Main Square in Rimavska Sobota (Slovakia)
- (1990) Jubilee Fountain, Main Square (Trnava/Slovakia)
For the 750th anniversary of obtaining the municipal status in Trnava a jubilee fountain was created on the Main Square. The fountain consists of 750 jets aligned in a circular array. Made in 1990 from stainless steel and stone from the local quarry.
- (1987) Fountain Karolina's Source in Marianske Lazne (Czech Republic)
The fountain is situated in front of the Karolina's Source in the spa town Marianske Lazne. The sculptural part is composed of a bronze fan arch with natural motives, embedded in an opening granite plateau. This piece is impressively lit during the night time. Created in 1987.
- (1987) Fountain Cross Spring in Marianske Lazne (Czech Republic)
This fountain patronizing the Cross Spring in the Eastern part of the spa colonnade in Marianske Lazne was created in 1987. It is a composition of convex shapes made of stainless steel, embedded into the stone paving.
- (1987) Sculpture for artesian well in Safarikovo, stainless steel (Slovakia)
- (1976–1986) Singing fountain in Marianske Lazne (Czech Republic)
Designed in 1977 for the Czech spa town Marianske Lazne for the centre of the colonnade. Since its creation The Singing Fountain has been the most admired and visited attraction in Marianske Lazne and surroundings. The attractiveness of this multimedia fountain created from granite and stainless steel lies in the regular evening concerts when the water, light and music creates a stunning choreography. Several famous music composers created music directly for this fountain. With its qualities and options, at the time of its creation, it was the only one of its kind in the world.
- (1986) Three drinking fountains in Medical Garden (Bratislava/Slovakia)
In the city park of the Aspremonte Palace; this composition of three drinking fountains. Various heights are respected and the smallest of the group is accessible to children as, who are often coming for a refreshment from the nearby playground. Made of marble
Marble
Marble is a metamorphic rock composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals, most commonly calcite or dolomite.Geologists use the term "marble" to refer to metamorphosed limestone; however stonemasons use the term more broadly to encompass unmetamorphosed limestone.Marble is commonly used for...
and stainless steel in 1986.
- (1986) Fountain in Medical Garden (Bratislava/Slovakia)
Installed in 1986 for baroque park Medical Garden with the aim to visually match with the style of the park. The choice of material was baroque
Baroque
The Baroque is a period and the style that used exaggerated motion and clear, easily interpreted detail to produce drama, tension, exuberance, and grandeur in sculpture, painting, literature, dance, and music...
as well - bronze
Bronze
Bronze is a metal alloy consisting primarily of copper, usually with tin as the main additive. It is hard and brittle, and it was particularly significant in antiquity, so much so that the Bronze Age was named after the metal...
and sandstone
Sandstone
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-sized minerals or rock grains.Most sandstone is composed of quartz and/or feldspar because these are the most common minerals in the Earth's crust. Like sand, sandstone may be any colour, but the most common colours are tan, brown, yellow,...
. This fountain is able to create several water shapes and has its own light system as well. The pool has a baroque ground-plan, with park seating around it creating a beautiful scenery for the heart of the fountain which is composed of four bronze swans.
- (1986) Fountain in front of the Aspremonte Palace (Bratislava/Slovakia)
Situated in the garden of baroque Aspremonte Palace. A composition of 4 pigeons enjoying a quick bath in a fountain, created in 1986 in the place of original baroque fountain which has not been preserved. Main body is made of sandstone, pigeons are made of bronze.
- (1984) Fountain in front of the Presidential Palace (Bratislava/Slovakia)
Installed in the Mierove Square, created with coauthors T. Bartfay and K. Lacko
- (1983) Fountain in the Presidential Palace Park (Bratislava/Slovakia)
During the reconstruction of the Presidential Palace in Bratislava this fountain has been installed in the park opposite the palace. It is a composition of three girls playing with a ball and was created with coauthors T.Bartfay and K. Lacko. Made of bronze and stone.
- (1982) Two fountains in the Trnava Park (Trnava/Slovakia)
- (1981) Fountain in the Bratislava Castle Park (Slovakia)
- (1981) Fountain in the atrium of Bratislava Culture Centre (Slovakia)
- (1980–2000) Fountain Bernice in Ziar Nad Hronom (Slovakia)
Situated in the main square of a Slovak town Ziar nad Hronom, famous as one of the biggest aluminum producers in the economic region. This fact was taken into consideration for planning of the placement and shape of the fountain. Removed in 2000 due to reconstruction works.
- (1979) Two fountains on the Terrace in the exterior of Bratislava Castle (Slovakia)
- (1977) Fountain in the Docklands (Bratislava/Slovakia)
- (1976) Fountain Maria (Bratislava/Slovakia)
Originally designed for City Park in Bratislava as a kinetic piece using sound and light effects. Mobile parts of the fountain were powered by water. Made of stainless steel resting on ceramic plateau. In 1986 moved to its current location.
- (1975) Sun Clock Culture Centre (Samorin/Slovakia)
- (1972–1974) Two fountains Natasha & Martha (author's wife) Justice Palace, Bratislava
- (1970–1972) Dr. Vladimir Clementis Memorial (Tisovec/Slovakia)
This is the winning concept of an anonymous competition in 1970, for Dr. Vladimir Clementis memorial in Tisovec. This was author's first large-scale project after graduating from Art University and as a victory in national competition a good start of a successful career. The monument was made of stainless steel and granite in cooperation with J. Horvat. Installed in 1972.
- (1966–1992) Investicni Vystavba Praha Magazine about architecture - layout.
Exhibitions
- (1995) Pictures and Bronze Figures - IngolstadtIngolstadtIngolstadt is a city in the Free State of Bavaria, in the Federal Republic of Germany. It is located along the banks of the Danube River, in the center of Bavaria. As at 31 March 2011, Ingolstadt had 125.407 residents...
(Germany) - (1988) Artprotis - NewarkNewark-United Kingdom:* Newark-on-Trent, a market town in Nottinghamshire in the East Midlands region of England and the oldest Newark** Newark * Newark, Peterborough in Cambridgeshire...
(USA) - (1982) Bronze Figures - ZurichZürichZurich is the largest city in Switzerland and the capital of the canton of Zurich. It is located in central Switzerland at the northwestern tip of Lake Zurich...
(Switzerland) - (1968–2008) Author takes part every year in group exhibitions
(bronze figures, interior fountains, pictures, artprotis, glass)
External links
- Pavel Mikšík Design Portfolio – More information on his works