Press Release

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Michael Todoran (MIKOLA ONE)
Email: contact@mikolaone.com
Website: www.mikolaone.com
Available for Interviews

Michael Todoran (MIKOLA ONE) Unveils New Martial Arts-Inspired Fine Art Chess Collection

Sandy, UT – November 29, 2024 – Fine artist Michael Todoran, known professionally as MIKOLA ONE, is set to release a new fine art series, merging the artistry of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with the timeless strategy of chess. This bold collection of intricately designed chess pieces reinterprets traditional roles with a martial arts perspective, inviting viewers to explore themes of patience, strength, and resilience through the lens of combat and strategy.

Drawing on his deep-rooted connection to the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a blue belt under Professor Duayne Bowers, Todoran’s work brings a heightened sense of realism and philosophical depth to the iconic chessboard. Each piece within the series—spanning Kings, Queens, Rooks, Bishops, Knights, and Pawns—is meticulously crafted to symbolize the core principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), from adaptability and calm composure to discipline and subtle strategy.

“These pieces are more than just figures on a chessboard; they are representations of a philosophical journey and an homage to the dedication BJJ practitioners bring to their craft,” explains Todoran. “In BJJ, as in chess, the focus is not on brute force but on calculated movements, patience, and the balance between offense and defense.”

Highlights of the collection include:

  • The King: A masterful symbol of restraint and strategy, mirroring the calculated patience of a high-ranking BJJ black belt.
  • The Queen: Dynamic and versatile, she embodies the fluid adaptability essential to BJJ, maneuvering seamlessly across the board.
  • The Rook: Resilient and unyielding, showcasing the BJJ fighter’s strength in discipline and consistency.
  • The Bishop: Represented as a woman, she captures the “soft power” of technique, highlighting the essential role of women in martial arts.
  • The Knight: A symbol of unpredictability, embodying the tactical ingenuity prized in BJJ.
  • The Pawn: Meditative and grounded, portraying the discipline and potential for transformation central to the martial artist’s journey.

Todoran, who holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a Master of Landscape Architecture from The Ohio State University, has established himself as a multidimensional artist. His work spans solo and group exhibitions, curatorial projects, and critical writings, blending elements of environmental storytelling with cultural narratives. Through his creative practice, Todoran challenges traditional boundaries between art forms, inspiring audiences to reimagine both physical and conceptual landscapes.

This new series is a testament to Todoran’s commitment to sustainability and cultural storytelling, qualities that resonate across his work in both art and landscape architecture. The collection will be showcased online starting November 29, 2024, at mikolaone.com, where viewers can experience each piece’s unique design and philosophical underpinnings.

For interviews, media inquiries, and additional information, please contact Michael Todoran at michael@hapsagency.com.