Old Wisdom, New Colors.
OLD WISDOM, NEW COLORS.
Áka sopoksistawa’si, maan ináámm.
The spiritual connections with indigenous peoples and the Blackfoot Nation are not entirely unfamiliar within the family of Milan Sipistoo. While other family members played a significant role in bringing Native American artifacts to the Netherlands and displaying them, the deepened bond with Native people and their culture likely began when Milan was a young boy. Spiritual depth and connectedness are expressions that run through the family, existing in various layers and dimensions across generations. Supernatural forces—or perhaps taboos. What is the meaning of these forces and the world they inhabit?
Milan Sipistoo is certain that his artistic purpose in this life is to inspire and protect society through his art. A society that increasingly seems to be sinking into shallow waters, caused by the commercialization of society. As human beings, we have almost forgotten that we are allowed to express ourselves, even though we believe we express ourselves abundantly on social media. True expression, according to Milan Sipistoo, lies in autonomy and groundedness deep within your soul—norms and values you stand behind, not easily interchangeable. Honoring your environment, the earth, the afterlife, and the cosmos is a vital thread in Milan Sipistoo’s art.
The artistic inspiration on the other side of the family is also strongly present, with several renowned artists, some of whose works have already been acquired by museums. It was here that Milan found inspiration and opportunities to express himself through art. Realizing that it is possible, through one’s own creations, to make people think, infuse spaces with energy, or inspire others felt almost supernatural in this human existence.
As Milan Sipistoo, then working under a different name, created his own style as a professional artist, something remarkable happened. Similar images began recurring in his compositions, prompting curiosity from people about the thoughts or meanings behind them. Milan Sipistoo believes these symbols were inspired within him, and their true meaning only fully emerged years into his artistic journey. Today, he has developed 10 unique symbols, each representing 3 core characteristics. If you were to place all 10 symbols together, they could form a unified vision, a holistic human image principle. The question is: which symbol resonates most with you, and why?
As an artist, I envision myself connected to the mythological symbol of the owl. In Blackfoot Native American, Sipistoo means "owl." Spiritually, the owl hears and sees what no one else knows. For me, the owl is deeply connected to societal wisdom. Furthermore, the owl is the only bird that can fly completely silently, navigating between layers of society. It observes, analyzes, and ultimately translates societal dialogues onto the canvas. Artworks that aim to give society insight, protect it, and provoke thought from another dimension.
The symbols, which are essentially mythical and expressive images from Milan Sipistoo's world, can be expressed in different ways within the compositions. Often, there is a dialogue between 2-3 symbols per composition. A technique frequently used by Milan Sipistoo is engraving into the canvas, inspired by the 35,000-year-old carvings in the Chauvet Cave.
The purity of indigenous peoples is reflected in the pure use of color by Milan Sipistoo. He almost never mixes his colors, choosing instead to preserve the pure pigment in its raw form. This unadulterated use of color symbolizes the purity of indigenous peoples' relationship with the earth and their tribes. At the same time, the bold use of color imparts a powerful statement, clarifying the strength and purpose of the compositions.
The composition itself follows an unorthodox approach. Milan Sipistoo never sketches beforehand; the composition finds its way intuitively. As the composition develops, intrinsic inspiration and emotions play a key role. Milan aims to eliminate as much noise as possible and reach the purity of his creative ability.
Some art admirers claim that Milan Sipistoo's canvases resonate with hidden natural forces. The paintings are believed to be in contact with the earth and all the interconnected lives that make up existence on earth. Spiritual gurus suggest that Milan paints the afterlife, where the compositions represent contemporary events or relationships, but from another dimension.
To add another layer of depth to the compositions, Milan Sipistoo frequently uses titles in a poetic language, such as French proverbs or words from the Blackfoot Native language. This approach makes the titles less directly translatable, prompting the viewer to think deeply and form their own perceptions.
The younger generation will eventually carry the weight of society forward. Milan believes that by safeguarding and passing down the wisdom of the indigenous tribes, the youngsters will be able to bear the responsibility of the earth and, in turn, pass it on to the next generations. However, the noise and shallowness caused by the commercialization of society present a significant challenge. The young artist believes that artists are visionaries, often ahead of society, and have a unique responsibility to bridge the present with the future, preparing society for what lies ahead. Milan sees it as crucial to involve the youth in the creative process, especially their own intrinsic contributions and expressions, which can help reconnect society. This connection between the ancient wisdom of indigenous peoples and the new generation—our youth—forms a key part of the societal renewal.
2025
ART RESIDENCE.
Opening of Art Residence
in Amsterdam.
750-year Amsterdam
Collaboration during "750 Jaar Amsterdam".
Excited to see you there!
SINGER LAREN.
Exhibiting artworks in the Singer Laren Museum.
KEEP CREATING.
NEW ATERLIER
Enters new atelier studio at Damrak, Amsterdam.
PRIVATE VERNISAGE.
Special exhibition for the Collectors Club in Amsterdam.
MIᄂΛП ƧIPIƧƬӨӨ
ABOUT
2024
SOLO
EXHIBITION.
Solo exhibition at the Museumplein in Amsterdam.
COLLABORATION
Duo painting with well-known artist Joost de Jonge.
SINGER LAREN.
Exhibiting artworks in the Singer Laren Museum.
COLLECTORS CIRCLE
Introduction of the collectors circle.
Designed and unveiled the book '15 Years of State Architecture'.
BOOK DESIGN.
NEW ATERLIER
Enters new atelier studio at Damrak, Amsterdam.
NEW IDENTITY.
Evolved brand identity to Milan Sipistoo.
2023
Started partnership with Big Green Egg.
BIG GREEN EGG.
NOCK NOCK.
Part of the Nock Nock Art Fair in Amsterdam.
FILMING BEHIND THE SCENES.
soon to come project, stay tuned...
PODCAST.
Invited to the podcast "Creatief Verdwalen".
2022
BIG GREEN EGG.
Started partnership with Big Green Egg.
PODCAST.
Invited to the podcast "Creatief Verdwalen."
NOCK NOCK.
Part of the Nock Nock Art Fair in Amsterdam.
COLLECTORS CIRCLE
Introduction of the collectors circle.
Designed and unveiled the book '15 Years of State Architecture'.
BOOK DESIGN.
NEW ATERLIER
Enters new atelier studio at Damrak, Amsterdam.
Curriculum Vitae
Milan Sipistoo - multidisciplinary artist - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Milan Sipistoo (1994) is a prominent Dutch multidisciplinary visual artist. As a young autodidact, he has built an impressive repertoire in the art scene and has been a guest on national TV shows multiple times. Milan has designed for famous DJs around the world, and his work has been showcased on Times Square in New York. In 2024, at the age of just 29, the artist made his debut in the museum world with an exhibition at the Singer Laren Museum. After several years of working under the name 'MilanTheArtist', he decided in 2024 to evolve his artistic identity to ‘Milan Sipistoo’. This name partially originates from the Blackfoot Indians, where "Sipistoo" means owl. The spiritual connection with indigenous peoples and the transcendental nature of contemporary life questions form the basis of his artistic motivation.
Milan Sipistoo draws his artistic inspiration from the abstract essence of this life and all other simultaneous lives that unfold at the same time. The complementary contrast between the tragedy and comedy of life is central to this. The dualism between societal virtue and individualistic self-perspectives is inextricably linked to Milan Sipistoo's compositions. The life cycle and associated existential questions play a significant role in the young artist's life, especially after completing a master's degree in geriatrics. It is an intuitive personal process that is captured uniquely in each artwork. “It doesn’t matter who you are. It only matters how you radiate. To experience becoming, to find out what’s inside you, to make your soul grow.”
According to the young artist, artists are ahead of society and have the responsibility to connect and prepare society for what is to come. Milan Sipistoo frequently employs what is known as 'statement art', where texts are added to compositions to provoke deeper thought. These statements stimulate personal or societal discussions around each artwork. Mysterious statements are incorporated into the works using chips that can be scanned with a mobile phone. This allows hidden messages, music references, and even the entire design process to be embedded in the artwork. Additionally, these chips, with their unique programming code, ensure the authenticity of the works and prevent forgery.
Self-created symbols also play an important role in Milan Sipistoo's art. Each symbol represents three core qualities that are reinforced by a philosophical perspective. People can feel connected to one or more symbols, depending on their personal perception. These symbols have emerged over the years from a process where creativity and intuition come together. In addition to using symbols, Milan often integrates inscriptions of hieroglyphs and cave paintings into his works. These elements enrich his art with a deeper historical and cultural dimension, making each piece not only visually intriguing but also imbued with meaning and symbolism.
One of Milan Sipistoo's key technical features is the use of up to ten different mixed-media components in a single artwork, including acrylic paint, spray paint, oil sticks, ink, pastel chalk, markers, various fabrics, and different types of mediums. This diversity of materials creates a tangible relief, giving his artworks a unique texture and depth. The use of pure and vibrant colors adds an energetic experience to the compositions. While the palette is borrowed from the natural world, the figures are mostly abstract, leaning into an imaginary world. For Milan Sipistoo, it is essential that his compositions have a stimulating function. He states: "It allows people to feel and truly experience the artwork with their bare hands. Make art tangible and stimulating, let all senses work." The controversial combinations of techniques and materials result in lively but highly detailed compositions, in which new representations can always be discovered. His work is described as 'rough yet sensitive' and 'distinctive yet unifying'. The unorthodox use of materials began when Milan Sipistoo was appointed as a ‘Brandfriend’ of the renowned art brand ‘Amsterdam All Acrylics’. This allows him to be the first to try out new paint products and provide feedback to the brand. Art curators therefore categorize his work as 'Ultra-Contemporary'.
Recently, Milan Sipistoo has been praised by various media for his contribution to the contemporary art scene and named a promising artistic talent. His dedication to the art world has been rewarded in recent years with several prestigious partnerships with major companies. Additionally, the young artist is socially engaged as an ambassador for the Fonds Gehandicaptensport and the Elephant Parade. After painting two life-sized elephants, he can now be listed alongside prominent artists such as Corneille, Marc Quinn, and Sacha Jafri. Following several successful solo exhibitions, Milan Sipistoo's artworks are now represented by national and international galleries. His unique and exclusive style has not gone unnoticed by art connoisseurs and collectors, who see great potential in his work for the long term.