Michel Balasis, M.F.A.

Michel Balasis, M.F.A.
	Title:	Associate Professor
	Office:	Mundelein 916
	Phone:	773-508-2680
	E-mail:	mbalasi@luc.edu

Personal Information

M.F.A., Michigan State University
B.F.A., Michigan State University

Mr. Michel Balasis currently teaches Computer Graphics I, Graphics II, and Design 1 and he will be teaching Computer Graphics I, Computer Graphics II, and Visual Communications IV Spring 2008.

Born in France and raised by Greek parents in Michigan, Michel Balasis is a Pop Artist with a modern edge who draws from a wide range of life experiences. His bold graphic images are developed with heavy contour line and vibrant colors to create striking narrative visuals reminiscent of the Pop Art style of 1960s New York.

A childhood filled with international travel and an acquired love for musical and applied arts are the basis for his continuing voyage into the art world. Painting in acrylics, Michel makes reference to popular culture derived from an addiction to cartoon and comic book imagery. His work pushes context to the edge of visual communication as he continues to make subtle commentary about life in modern American society. Michel is influenced by everyday events in popular culture, as well as major artistic influences including the art of Roy Lichtenstein, Keith Haring and Pablo Picasso.

Michel maintains a studio and residence in Chicago. Currently a Professor of Visual Communication at Loyola University Chicago, he instructs classes in computer art and graphic design. Michel earned an MFA in Design from Michigan State University where he first began is research on the effect of technology on culture and the fine arts. As a professional graphic designer, Michel has developed his stylized imagery with typography into the creation of a wide variety of printer material and marketing applications. His interest in new media includes developing and teaching graphic animation/multimedia art.

Michel began exhibiting paintings at age 23. His most recent work reflects a deeper investigation of his interpretation of the human interface and reaction to a mass media dominated culture. The Pop Art style continues to drive his bold, dynamic, high contrast imagery. Michel regularly shows his Pop Art paintings throughout the year, with highlight exhibitions in the Fall and Spring of each year. He currently is Owner of the Pop Chicago Gallery and showcases his work there. You can see a sample of his work here www.popchicagogallery.com

Professor Balasis is the Chair of the Technology Committee in the Area of Fine Arts. In that capacity he is responsible for the Macintosh computer systems used in Visual Communications and Photography. In the next academic year the Fine Arts area will be moving to the updated Mundelein Center, which will include two brand new 20 seat Mac Labs. Working closely with the Information Technology team, Michel will be working toward a smooth transition for equipment and systems to be up and running for Fall Semester 2008.

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