About: Bio & CV

Artist Statement

Michael Cichon is The Teaman, a Montreal-based artist: writer, poet, and photographer.

Mr. Cichon’s childhood was one of poverty, hand-me-downs, and living off donations. These formative years fostered in him a unique understanding and empathy for those “who stand outside the frame”. From that early age, he was encouraged to participate in acting and Polish Folk dancing, both instrumental factors in shaping his conceptual world of subjects and ideas that reside outside of what is considered socially acceptable. Later, his academic training in Liberal Arts and Russian Studies helped further inspire him and his philosophical and literary perspectives. Of all the influences that helped to develop his views, it was discussions with his Polish-Ukrainian Grandmother, drinking tea and listening to her talk about her arduous past, that most shaped his personal relationship to time and space.

Mr. Cichon left Toronto in 1996 to teach English in Busan, a large port city in South Korea. Instantly isolated from the familiar, he became acutely aware of his existential tourist consciousness; being both “apart” and “a part” of society. Here, he was introduced to Taoist philosophy and the phrase “Live Like Water”, something that resonated with his Eastern European family’s history of displacement and rootlessness. The phrase continues to guide his artistic and business endeavours.

Deeply influenced by Plato’s Allegory of the Cave and word play, Mr. Cichon crafts comical and critical tableau photographs that comment on absurd social constructs. His portraits are intimate confessions in which his subjects reveal their true face. Through humour and empathy, Mr. Cichon establishes a bond of trust and is able to create portraits that are therapeutic and empowering. As a Medical Photographer, he has used these experiences and learned how to photograph vulnerable people, capturing both the physical and emotional scars they often carry. This vocation is one that truly aligns with his core values of truth and healing.

Currently, Mr. Cichon divides his time between exploring new photographic concepts and selling tea that he imports from East Asia at local farmers markets and online at www.livelikewater.com. During the week, he works as a Medical Photographer and runs his private gallery; on weekends he retreats to the countryside and his Live Like Water Traditional Korean Tearoom in East Bolton, Quebec. To see more of his stories please visit www.michaelcichon.ca.