Pavel Mikšík

Pavel Mikšík was born in Bratislava, 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.

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. Clementis 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.

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 Lázně. It is a complex sound-water-light piece which provides daily concerts.

Mikšík is a member of Professional Artist Group ART-CLUB+8. He takes part in annual exhibitions. He works and lives near Bratislava, Slovakia.

• (2006) Monument with light effects in Zahorska Bystrica (Slovakia)
• (2006) Fountain in Zahorska Bystrica (Slovakia)
• (2005) Fountain in the Main Square in Šamorín (Slovakia)
• (2004) Interior fountain for a private mansion in Šamorín (Slovakia)
• (2002) Memorial for local firefighters (Mliečno/Slovakia)
• (2000) Interior fountain for "Ceska Sporitelna" in Prague (Czech Republic)
• (1999) Interior fountain for "Hvezda" Hotel (Marianske Lazne/Czech Republic)
• (1998) Fountain for a private mansion in Trnava (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 and polished and gilded stainless steel. In the night hours it is lit with different light sources. Year of installation: 1996.

• (1995) Fountain in the historical square in Dolny Kubin (Slovakia)
• (1994) Interior fountain in the Hotel Butterfly in Marianske Lazne (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 Cham (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 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 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.

• (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.

• (1995) Pictures and Bronze Figures - Ingolstadt (Germany)
• (1988) Artprotis - Newark (USA)
• (1982) Bronze Figures - Zurich (Switzerland)
• (1968–2008) Author takes part every year in group exhibitions

(bronze figures, interior fountains, pictures, artprotis, glass)

• Pavel Mikšík Design Portfolio – More information on his works