About Micah Hollenbeck

They/Them, He/Him

Artist Statement: Micah is a Denver-based Illustrator and Concept Artist. Being raised religious and discovering a queer identity later in life has given Micah a unique perspective on religion and spiritualism. Their work dives deep into humanity’s relationship with divinity and worship. Micah’s art is both a commentary and, in some ways, a celebration of mythology and religion. Using surrealism to create a different mythology, a fantastical pantheon of gods who might not look like the deities many of us grew up believing in, but that’s the idea. Harkening back to times when religion included animal-headed gods, human sacrifice, and horrific wars in the name of god, we see throughout history that religion is a construct created to ensnare and control others. Micah simply wants to unpack the dark, slimy underbelly of religion that few want to discuss.

The ultimate goal of Micah’s work is to explore what makes a god, a god. Exploring faith, looking at why it holds such a special place in the hearts of some, and why faith (or someone else’s faith) can be dangerous to others. What is good? What is bad? What is right and wrong? What is our purpose and what is the ultimate purpose of our beliefs and deities? Micah’s art and writings explore those questions, using ecclesiastical themes, religious iconography, and symbolism within their work to further illustrate the big philosophical question: Are we created in the image of god, or is god merely created to further the machinations of man?

Micah lives in Denver, CO with their loving partner and two silly cats. They enjoy good books, good friends, everything bagels, and good stories. Micah uses Procreate, Adobe Photoshop, and Oil Paints to bring their creations to life!