TOKYO 10 Questions: An Interview with Mikhail Tank
Today our spotlight falls on the US Performance Artist, Mikhail Tank whose show, “Soul Photography” explores the depths of the human soul. Mikhail is on at the Tokyo Fringe Festival for one night only on Saturday 30th May. You can also catch his show at the 2009 Edinburgh Fringe in August where he has something uniquely special planned. So let’s chat with Mikhail…
1. What inspired you to become an artist, performer, musician, dancer, writer, comedian, entertainer (please edit/add in how you would describe yourself here)?
I have expressed myself through art since early childhood, it’s a source of reconnecting to my spiritual roots, to recharging my own specific energy. It’s a natural gift that I chose to pursue.
2. What’s your show about and what should the public expect from your show at the 2009 Tokyo / Kyoto Fringe Festival?
Soul Photography is a show about creating Restore Points in one’s soul. When your computer crashes, you can press F8 and go back in time, I will explore how do something similar, in creating ‘Energy Soul Images’ within.
3. What was the last Fringe or Festival you performed at and what was it like?
This is my 1st performance at a Fringe Festival. I am excited that I am going to Tokyo, to a culture I adore. My most recent show was last year and it took place in Los Angeles. The show was recognized by the Mayo.
4. What are your funniest and worst experiences performing in front of an audience?
The funniest moment was during a solo performance at UC Davis. I had a large sculpture of a cow on stage and when I stated something specific to the cow – the audience went into an uproar, it was such a surprise for me, it became a hit, something both mimicked and remembered.
5. What’s the best and worst advice you have ever been given? And did you follow it?
I don’t believe in offering advice, I have come to a realization with my best friend Pj – that gifting perspective is the true gem.
6. What are you most proud of and what dreams or goals would you like to fulfill?
I am proud to be a true artist, without boundaries or contracts. I would like for my art to be appreciated by those who may not have access or a reason to, as of yet.
7. Which three famous people would you invite to dinner and why [dead celebrities included]? And what culinary dish would you prepare?
I would invite Laurie Cabot, a good witch in Salem, Ms. Huston, a wonderful actress and a very special Rabbi, who is no longer with us. I would prepare Beluga Caviar sandwiches on freshly baked bread along with fresh squeezed Acai juice – as I am not much of a cook.
8. What is the best book or books you have read and why?
My favourite books are Catcher in The Rye, My Life in Art by Stanislavsky & The Fushikaden by Zeami.
9. Tell us 5 interesting and unknown facts about yourself?
I don’t smoke, I don’t do drugs, I believe in magic, I believe in God & I highly respect the Shinto belief system.
10. If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?
To destroy all diseases.
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check out Mikhail’s website, his MySpace and CD Baby web pages and Twitter to learn more about him.
