Mikey is an 19 year-old writer, experimental photographer, and artist. Raised in Glassell Park, Mikey focuses to showcase creatives that are unrevealed and the rise, through narratives. Eonagapi and Versed collaborated in a conceptual photographic series titled "The Obituary," symbolizing the transition of the self towards acceptance of the messy, melancholy, and uncertain. Read more about Mikey and Versed below, and click on the gallery to view the photographic collection.
1). I’ve seen parts of Versed Magazine, it is hella dope! Congrats on releasing the first issue. What can you tell us about Versed and its message/aim? How did it come to be?
(First, Wendy, thank you) In this age of censorship and control, Versed Magazine is the independence for creatives – whether they make art for a living or they make art for the fun of it.
There’s an illusion held that industries are the only path to success. So, Versed Magazine, which is now a branch of ‘The Versed Society’ works to platform creatives that are unrevealed and on the rise, through storytelling.
The concept came to be through realizing truths: Realizing truths in myself and realizing truths of the media, about how certain agendas are pushed and the corruption in the industry.
An evaluation and allocation of power to the rightful people, is the aim of Versed.
2). That being said, what can you tell us about you? Name, age? Where are you from? Tell us your story.
Mikey Vega, one more 18 year old in a major city, what else… perhaps doing what makes me uncomfortable, often. That is the intent, at least.
Raised in Glassell Park, CA, a smaller section North of downtown LA.
My story… career wise,
I dabbled in sewing and began posting on Tiktok around 2019. I made short skateboarding edits as well as “influencer” things, whatever it’s called… I knew at one point I’d want something greater.
Photography and writing were what I practiced the most during that.
Content was up until 2021, where I started to branch into what I truly desired to reveal of myself, which was my work, not myself. Does that make sense? Photography and artwork specifically. I sacrificed a large chunk of my following since I didn’t cater to the expectations of others, a very freeing moment in time.
From that point on, I indulged in creative information and social aspects of life to figure out how I can create a space for communities in art. That, is what sparked Versed Magazine. Realizing the importance of long-lasting messages, not trends to get behind.
3). Has a stranger ever changed your life?
Constantly... (A lot of lyft/uber drivers specifically)
Surprisingly rideshare drivers are the best people to talk to – I practice my communication skills with them.
I believe that when someone is on the job all day, especially when they’re on the go, they can use some company for a while. It’ll change their life and mine.
Whether it’s a small or big interaction, or whether you realize it or not: conversation shapes you.
Even if change doesn’t happen right away.
4). What can we expect from Versed & from you? What does the future hold?
That is the question… I don’t have many goals. I choose only a few, that way I’ll focus more on each one.
With that being said — expect nothing. Then maybe it’ll be a surprise.
Philosophical, right?
5). Describe your style of art/photography. What do you like to document? Why?
I can’t say I have found a style. And I don’t want to find it.
One day it’ll be darker than others, and another day it’ll be more optimistic. I hope to be everchanging when it comes to that.
All experiences and senses from anything we’re exposed to come to create one big cloud of bullshit.
That, is art (I think). So my favorite things to document are the things closest to that, things that provoke thought. Sometimes bullshit too. Certain thoughts translate into theories, and theories transform into stories.
Those stories are the most significant.
6). Lastly, I like asking this question a lot. If you could say something to anyone reading this right now, what would it be?
Ask questions like a child would. I’m able to “talk” through to you here, because of good questions. Things you may think that you know, question them, cause there’s much more to learn about not only yourself but everything else.
View the gallery here:
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