Old Wisdom, New Colors:
The Story
Sipistoo; the owl.
Each of Milan Sipistoo’s symbols carries a name rooted in the Blackfoot language. His artist name, “Sipistoo”—meaning owl—comes from one such symbol. In the video below, a Blackfoot elder explains the meaning and cultural significance of the word “Sipistoo.”
Family inspires.
Milan Sipistoo first found artistic inspiration as a child through the work of his renowned relative, artist Wil Wiegant. It was through Wiegant’s work that young Milan came to a powerful realization: that art could carry a piece of one’s soul into the homes of others, stirring emotion and reflection. To this day, he continues to draw inspiration from Wiegant—most notably through recurring motifs such as the moon.
More symbols!
The moon is just one of the symbols recurring in his works. There's 10 different symbols returning across the artworks. Each representing 3 core values.
Look closely and notice another defining aspect of Milan's work: the artwork is tangible. The distinctive use of multimedia adds depth and dimension, creating a near-3D experience.
Spiritual connection
Though of Western origin, Milan Sipistoo has always felt a deep connection to Indigenous peoples and holds enduring respect for these often disadvantaged cultures. As a child, Milan frequently attended exhibitions on North American Indigenous tribes—many curated by members of his own family—which left a lasting impression on him. For Milan, the concept of supernatural forces serves as a powerful thread linking him to the spiritual legacy of mythical tribes and ancestral traditions.
Forgotten cultures.
According to Milan Sipistoo, much of what Indigenous cultures once honored, preached, and stood for has been forgotten or dismissed by today’s, surface-level society. Yet countless Indigenous tribes upheld profound and deeply rooted values.
How the indigenous tribes sparked the urge to make art.
The owl emerges from the caves
The original inspiration for the Sipistoo created by Milan comes from a 33,000-year-old carving found in the Chauvet-Pont d'Arc Cave in France—one of the most significant painted caves of the Late Paleolithic era. Milan first visited the cave as a child, at the age of seven.
What ancient truths echo through these new artworks?
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Engraving derives from Carving
As we can see with the Sipistoo, engraving is a frequently used method in Milan's work. The raw power and flow stemming from the practice, allows for intricate layering in the artworks.
Purity in colors
The purity of the pigments—ranging from primary hues to earthy tones—forms the foundation of each design. A defining aspect of Milan Sipistoo's work is his refusal to mix colors; instead, he places them in deliberate contrast, allowing their raw essence to speak. This commitment to purity also resonates with the philosophies of indigenous cultures, where unaltered and natural materials from Mother Earth are viewed as sacred gifts.
the purity makes a bold statement! It adds clarity and purpose to the compositions.
Get in touch with your intuition.
An artist that does not sketch? You have found him! Intrinsic inspiration and emotion flow freely onto the canvas as the composition develops. Emotions become color, thoughts become symbols—shielded from logic and external interference.
New name; fresh start.
In 2024, Milan rebranded under the name Milan Sipistoo. Why the change? There are several reasons—but the most important is that this new name best reflects Milan’s autonomous position in the art world, with Amsterdam as the home base. Earlier you have seen a short clip explaining the meaning behind the word: Sipistoo.
The position of the owl.
Spiritually, the owl hears and sees what no one else knows. It is the only bird that can fly completely silently. The owl is deeply connected to societal wisdom, and considering the previous statements, navigates between the layers of society.
Milan the Sipistoo.
As mentioned, the owl navigates between the layers of society. It observes, analyzes and ultimately translates societal dialogues onto the canvas. The artworks are made for society, to give it insight, protect it and provoke it.
So... what different layers of society?
Milan is committed to engaging and connecting young people with the world of art, believing that today’s youth are the architects of our future. He sees artistic expression as a vital tool for reflection, growth, and inspiration—both individually and collectively. In his view, art and the freedom to create are not luxuries, but essential pillars of a healthy, evolving society.
From Raw Artistic Talent to Recognized Name: The Resilient Journey of Milan Sipistoo
Old wisdom.
The cycle of life and its accompanying questions play a major role in Milan's work. Especially after completing a master's degree in geriatrics. Not to mention how that lead to the compositions on the canvases being about the tension between sociatal virtues and individualistic perspectives. Some admirers of Milan's work say his compositions offer a glimpse into the afterlife, revealing a world beyond the visible through symbolic and spiritual depth.
Collabs and Ambassadorships: Driving Social Change
Milan’s dedication to the art world has led to prestigious collaborations and ambassadorships with major brands. Notably, he contributed to the Elephant Parade, painting two life-sized elephants alongside renowned artists like Corneille and Sacha Jafri. He also painted the blade of Paralympic gold medalist Fleur Jong, which was auctioned for charity by Fonds Gehandicaptensport. In addition to many other projects, Milan’s work earned him an ambassadorship with the esteemed art brand Royal Talens.
not only the inspiration traveled around the globe, the artworks have too!
Sipistoo Soars to New Heights
In 2025, Milan made his museum debut with an exhibition at the Singer Laren Museum, marking an important milestone for the young artist. Documentary footage was filmed during the event, including a conversation between Milan and the museum’s exhibition manager. A documentary crew continued to follow Milan throughout the year, capturing his journey. That same year, he held no fewer than three solo exhibitions in Amsterdam. His work was also featured at the prestigious PAN Amsterdam art fair, where he was represented by a leading gallery.
Sipistoo spreads its wings
Milan Sipistoo is a leading Dutch multidisciplinary visual artist. A self-taught talent, he has quickly made a name for himself in the contemporary art world with a bold and diverse body of work. His art has been featured on national television multiple times, and he has exhibited with both national and international galleries. Highlights include a showcase in New York’s Times Square and several major solo exhibitions. His work has been covered by media outlets such as Quote, Radio 2, Art Guide Worldwide, and RTL 4. In addition, Milan is known for his dynamic live painting performances at art fairs and corporate events.
A Flight Beyond the Forest
Art curators classify Milan Sipistoo’s work as 'Ultra-Contemporary,' a label he embraces while pushing it even further to make his art future-proof. Each painting includes a chip, unique code, and matching signature linked to its certificate of authenticity, helping prevent forgery and AI misuse. Milan also plans to launch a livestream project from central Amsterdam to connect youth with art. His goal: international recognition and a defining role in the future of contemporary art.
Where art meets music.
Early in his career, Milan served partially as head designer for a major record label for over two years, creating album and single covers for internationally renowned DJs. His designs reached millions of music fans worldwide—a rare crossover between visual art and global music culture. A standout moment was painting a single cover live during a DJ’s performance at Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), merging art and music in real time.
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DIVE DEEPER INTO the roaring story of Milan Sipistoo.