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Michael Kowalkowski

@itsmich4el

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Artist by day, artist by night but with dancing
CCC 2027
Magic Michael Does Drag Preformence⬇️

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The Midwest Baddies unfortunately did not make it to the Dreamhouse 💔🎉🚗💦#REDBULLSPINOFF @redbullusa #bikecrash #tandembikerace #barbie #barbieandken taken in 12th Street Beach Chicago, Illinois by @itsmich4el

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4 months ago

This Halloween I decided to try something new and threw my hat in the ring to be a performer for the school's 9th annual drag show put together by @spbcolumbia.

My goal for the Who Dunnit, Diva? drag show was to try out a full classic drag look and see what aspects I would want to incorporate into the Magic Michael image. It was so fun pulling out the 100-yard tulle dress I made back in high school for this special performance.

A big thank you to Amelia, Klaire, and Mia for giving me tips and advice with hair and makeup. Huge hugs to the SPB E-borad for being awesome -very sorry for bleeding on the stage btw.

Did I mention that this was technically my frist paid gig?

Photos Credits @laurenhogancreates by @itsmich4el

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a year ago

Another stunning new collaborative project with Michele (@frogman.tt ) inspired by Noah Cyrus' single "I Burned LA Down".

Utilizing the scanner of a printer, I was able to burn real photos with matches and then scan them into digital form, creating a unique visual experience.

This project features a handmade gown by me and a giant wooden crate I got from the back of Buffalo Wild Wings.

Thank you to @savanarjurgens , @kaylnnriveraa and her grandpa for helping me get the giant crate home. @m3g.zz for going to Jewel Osco with me to pick up the hay bales. @theresak_grace for aiding me in making the outfit and @carleyflwr for helping me troubleshoot my sewing machine. And once again thank to Michele for photographing another amazing shoot❤️🔥

Stay posted for the video part of this project. by @itsmich4el

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4 years ago

The seven deadly sins come from Christian theology, warning about dangerous vices that would lead to eternal death or a home in Hell. Pope Gregory I streamlined the modern interpretation of the sins, ranking them by severity.

The lowest ranked is Lust, typically viewed as uncontrollable urges and intense sexual desires. When falling into lust, one overlooks their well-being for the cravings and euphoric feelings from their drug of choice.

The most severe is Pride, cited as the most demonic on every list. It is a position in which ego, cockiness, and self-righteousness put themselves opposed to or above God: it was through Pride that Lucifer became wicked.

My hand-built ceramic takes of Lust and Pride are currently on display at the Evanston Art Center for “Whisper In The Dark,” curated by @azulnog. I worked on this grotesque series of the ssven deadly sins in high school, so it was super nostalgic to see some of the pieces back on display.

“Whisper In The Dark” will be open until November 1st at @evanstonartcenter. by @itsmich4el

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19 days ago

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3 months ago

The Junk, The Dust, and The Basement….

I was always told about my grandfather's creative niche. He would fill the basement with countless items that he found while working on the railroads, which he would use to make all kinds of sculptural and collage works. It could be clippings of Coca-Cola cans and laminated images stapled to hunks of wood adorned with glitter or doorknobs nailed into a makeshift birdhouse. Probably seen as junk to others, he put together nothing and made it into spectacles.

This is what ran through my head as I worked on this experimental series of collages. Using old curtains, clothing, and other items found in my basement, I explored what can come from being resourceful.

I've been casually working on this photo series since last summer, so I’m excited to finally make the project public. Once again, thank you to Michele (@frogman.tt ) for being the cameraman and “creative second opinion".

Images from this collection will be featured at @sidestreetsa ’s Rise exhibition opening on June 5th in Elgin. by @itsmich4el

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5 months ago

Me and Pucker Up had a blast partying with you all at Unity Ball 2026! 🎉😉

We've spent the last semster coordinatnating this project as well as preparing our outfits to host. It was an honor to work on this with my friend Amelia, who was Pucker Up for the night.

Special shout out to Mar Wynn, @mar.wynn , who originated Unity Ball last year for Columbia's Pride in May line up. I hope we made you proud.❤️

My cropped shirt for the evening was designed by the fabulous folks at @silverlineair taken in Quincy Wong Center, 623 S Wabash by @itsmich4el

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5 months ago

Put on some glitter and party with Pucker Up and Magic Michael! ✨️🎉

We are hosting Columbia College Chicago's 2nd annual Unity Ball. There will be dancing, music, drag, snacks, and more. The heart of this event is to celebrate queer identity here on campus. We encourage everyone to come dressed in what makes you, YOU!

Unity Ball is on May 8th from 7 pm to 9 pm at the Haus, 623 S Wabash. Our talent showcase is scheduled to start at 7:30, followed by closing speeches and a performance from Magic Michael.

We encourage everyone to come dressed in what makes you, YOU!

Photos: @creatingbyjenna
Magic Michael's Stained Glass Chair Keychain: @carleyannabrown by @itsmich4el

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6 months ago

Dancing in a hot studio to FLO is definitely an original experience. Thank you for having me @columcinematv !

#chairdance #leakit #heeldance #thelateshow by @itsmich4el

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6 months ago

I got the fabulous opportunity to be one of the guest talents for the late-night mock show “Shot for Shot with Arbor” from @columcinematv 's Television Studio Production practicum class. It was so fun going down memory lane and talking about how Magic Michael came to be.

#latenightshow by @itsmich4el

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6 months ago

There’s a vulnerability behind getting “show ready” for a world that is obsessed with aesthetics. Layers of tights, glitter, big ole’ heels, a proper mug if you’re skilled enough, and it's all being put on in a makeshift dressing room or bathroom. Overall, a very intimate experience before you’re even on the stage.

My litho series “Pulled Tight” is currently on display this month for @studentspacescolumbia “Outside the Line” exhibition. The medium of printmaking itself was new for me, but the concept for this particular series also follows the exhibition’s theme. Corseting myself tight, adorned with polyester threads, is a reflection of pushing myself to explore what Magic Michael is.

Lithography was probably my favorite printing style I’ve learned so far. It felt the most tangible, and I really enjoyed the control I had in the process of creating the plate with the light machine, which is cool as hell btw.

“Outside the Line” is open until March 30 at the Hokin Gallery location on 623 S. Wabash. taken in The Hokin by @itsmich4el

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7 months ago

New goodies for the fans!

I have some Magic Michael inspired relief prints now available at @shopcolumbia for their “New Year, New Work” market. Limited prints are available on cotton fabric or paper with a dual color roll.

Titled “Low Sugar,” the imagery of a juice box is a nod to how I commonly have sugary apple juice on show nights to keep my blood sugars up. I decided to run a print on fabric as I have hopes to incorporate the fabric panels into future Magic Michael costumes. So stay tuned for that.

Relief printing involves carving into either wood or a rubbery material called linoleum so that the negative is what leaves the ink impressions. I worked with specialized wood designed for relief carving, but still had the troubles of keeping control of fine lines.

ShopColumbia is located on 619 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605. Store hours are Monday - Thursday from 11 am to 4 pm. While supplies last! by @itsmich4el

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8 months ago