Interview
Michael Owino
Introducing the masterful storyteller, Michael Owino, an acclaimed author hailing from a unique blend of Danish and Tanzanian heritage. Born and currently residing in Copenhagen, he has emerged as a prominent voice in the world of fiction thrillers. With a steadfast passion for storytelling, Michael has penned four gripping novels - "Caught in Time," "The Attack on the Ferris Wheel," "MILK," and "Stalked" - that effortlessly keep readers on the edge of their seats. Michael is currently working on a monumental ten-book series called "The Tennis Club," a literary opus that promises to captivate readers for years to come. The first book, "Stalked," was published in March 2023 and has already garnered widespread acclaim, earning Michael several prestigious awards for his exceptional storytelling. Drawing inspiration from his multicultural background, Michael makes fascinating stories by seamlessly blending elements of both his Danish and Tanzanian roots. His novels are renowned for their intricate plots, relentless suspense, and vividly drawn characters that leap off the page. Authenticity is one of Michael's defining traits as an author. He puts in extra effort by fully engaging himself in the real locations where the stories of his novels take place, experiencing the settings firsthand. This dedication to research and experience is evident in his writing, giving his storytelling a real and absorbing quality.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“From the age of seven, I received private lessons in music and drama. I learned to play classical guitar, dabbled in acting, and taught myself drums. By the age of 15, I joined a popular new wave band called Ballet Mecanique, securing my first record contract. We released three albums and performed across Scandinavia. However, I stepped away from music at 20 when I became a father. In the following years, I focused on family life, became an autism specialist, and founded a record label, releasing 30 albums from various Scandinavian artists in the '90s”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“My primary goal as a writer is to entertain my readers. I aim to create compelling and relatable stories. I intentionally avoid merging politics with art, viewing them as separate entities. My interest lies in providing readers a break from daily life through an engaging book, offering an extraordinary experience. I steer clear of news and television, concentrating on my writing without introducing political elements that could complicate readers' lives.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“Yes, I meticulously plan my stories well in advance, often knowing what I'll be working on for the next five years. Extensive research, including travel to the settings of my books, consultations with historians, sociologists, and various experts, is crucial to creating a rich narrative. I stay in contact with hundreds of people to ensure authenticity in my writing.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“My overarching writing process involves delving into the unknown. Whether it's a city, a country, people, customs, or culture, I write about what I don't know or understand. This approach turns each book into an exciting journey for both me and, hopefully, the readers.”
“My overarching writing process involves delving into the unknown.”
What does your art mean to you?
“Creating books and fictional universes with captivating stories at their core means everything to me. I work tirelessly, immersing myself in the material during most waking hours. My focus is solely on crafting the book at hand, with little room for other thoughts or dreams.”
What’s your favorite artwork and why?
“I have three favorite painters: Jean Michel Basquiat for his incredible originality, Helen Frankenthaler for her uniqueness, and Francis Bacon for his uncompromising artistry. On the author front, Alexander Dumas stands out for his ability to create multiple layers in a single scene, Hillary Mantel for her uncompromising approach, and Erica Jong for her straightforward belief in poetry and the author as a crucial anchor in the world.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“It's a new experience for my book covers to be exhibited as artworks. The first exhibition is scheduled for December during Miami Art Week, followed by a showcase in the Stockholm metro throughout February. Later in the year, an exhibition is planned at Artportables Gallery in Stockholm and then in New York's Times Square alongside Metro Expo.”
