When is a pretzel not a pretzel? When it’s the lotus-splayed legs of a Buddha. Speaking of flowers, have you ever noticed the way certain blossoms resemble an old-fashioned gramophone? Welcome to the world of 17-year-old Kristián Mensa a Prague high school student whose clever sketches are winning the internet.
I was first introduced to a pencil when I was about two or three years old and I fell in love with the idea of expressing myself through a blank sheet of paper.
I’ve never really studied art but I did art while studying at school. I am focused on finishing succesfully and graduating before I choose what I want to study at university and do for a living.
When did your work start getting so much viral recognition?
I was on study abroad in Denver, Colorado in January 2015 and [while there] I decided to post my illustrations on this website called boredpanda.com. When I woke up there were more than 5,000 shares. So I was like: “This is getting serious.” And I kept posting my illustrations.
Anywhere where I feel calm and focused. Most of my excercise books are filled with sketches and drawings that were made during classes. (I am most productive during a math class).
Do you think you’ll make a career in art & design?
I would love to. Because art is my passion and I love it. Whenever I draw, dance or play the piano I feel an inner satisfaction inside and I know that it is what I want to do in the future.
You are also a dancer; any professional aspirations?
I practice few days a week with my crew Opatow Flavours and we as a crew or me as a solo dancer are attending dance battles and competitions. I was already competing outside of Prague in Amsterdam and LA this year.
I am currently working on an online store on my website where I will offer prints, T-Shirts and other decorational objects with my illustrations. I will be turning 18 this October which means I can be fully reliable and independent with selling stuff online.