The painting of this artist takes viewers to unseen lands, where everything changes before our eyes. His work has even inspired American writer Harlan Ellison to create a series of short stories. Jacek Yerka (Jacek Yerka or Jacek Kowalski), a recognized master of realistic surrealism and fantasy, owns unique art picturesque creation.
Yorka was born in northern Poland and graduated from the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun as a printmaker. But this direction of art turned out to be too narrow for him, and by 1980 Jacek was professionally engaged.
Success came to the artist in 1994 after the release of the first book with his work, called "Mind Fields" (Mind Fields). It was for this edition that the writer Harlan Ellison created thirteen stories, according to the number of paintings associated with them. After that, Jacek's work began to be exhibited in Poland, Germany, Monaco, France and the United States and purchased for different collections Worldwide.
“I think the fifties were sort of a golden age. This happy years of my childhood, filled with the magic of the surrounding world. In my work, this is reflected in buildings, furniture and various pre-war knick-knacks. If I had to draw a computer, I would definitely apply the pre-war aesthetics to it as well.”
Inventions and things of the first half of the 20th century appear in almost every work of the master. You rarely see people on his canvases, but on the other hand, he depicts furniture, household items, dishes and many other things with amazing accuracy, which makes some of his works related to the “tricks” of the Renaissance. This can be clearly seen in the painting “Twilight in the Cupboard” (Twilight In The Cupboard): cups and a loaf of bread are adjacent to a half-peeled lemon, the peel of which curls in rings, as in Dutch still lifes. All the objects depicted are absolutely real, but it is worth taking a closer look, as you notice the cobweb decorating the bottom of the picture, the snails slowly crawling up, and the fingers protruding from the box.
Equally unrealistic is Attack at Dawn, where a pre-war car is depicted as a lizard with a tail, while the planes look like birds of prey preparing to hunt. Jacek's paintings are imbued with symbolism and leave room for the imagination. Looking at them carefully, you can come up with a whole story full of mysteries.
No less famous are the “illusionistic” works of the artist. One of these is the painting "Amonit" (Amonit), which immediately catches the eye of the beholder and makes you wonder what we really see. It is at the same time a giant spiral shell that separates water from land, cave cities carved into the surface, and an ocean that defies the laws of gravity. Everything in this picture is connected and is in a delicate balance, possible only in the mind of the artist.
Jacek Yorka presents the works to the viewer as a peculiar and excellently crafted rebus. Detailed and coloristically solid works immerse in completely different worlds and make you consider every little thing. Bizarre creatures go for a walk, the sky merges with the earth, and new life flows from an empty shell.
In the works of Polish artist Jacek Yerka, a difficult balance has been found between "industrial" and "pastoral", between the real and the fictional. Perhaps that is why his paintings do not leave indifferent and affect the deep strings hidden in the heart, not only among fans science fiction but also for everyone who sees them.
An interesting quality of Jacek Jerka's paintings is how familiar, easily recognizable objects are transformed and integrated into a completely unusual environment, which, of course, is hallmark surrealism.
The most famous collection of works by the artist "Mind Fields" even prompted the American science fiction writer Harlan Ellison to create several stories. Other paintings by Yerka are less well-known, but no less stunning.
Speaking about the creation of his paintings, the author notes that this is a very difficult process. “I get an idea in my head, and with the help of my left hand and soft pencil I make some sketches in a notebook. If the idea is worth developing, then I transfer the drawing to paper. good quality 14 x 11.5 cm, I color it with colored pencils and add some more details. This project is submitted to the Family Jury (wife and 4 daughters) and is most often rejected, accompanied by offensive comments. At the next stage, the drawing “ripens”, lying somewhere under a pile of old papers, and after a few weeks it is again shown to the family. If this time the verdict remains negative, the drawing remains in my archives. But more often than not, one of my girls shows mercy to my work and calls it promising, after which I paint a complete picture.”
In 1995, Jacek Jerka received the World Fantasy Award (World Fantasy Award) as best artist. His works are exhibited both in his native Poland and in Germany, France, the USA and other countries around the world. The artist's paintings can also be seen on his personal website.
Jacek Yerka was born in 1952 in Torun, (a city in the north of Poland and, by the way, the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus). As a child, he was withdrawn and, instead of going to play in the yard, like all normal children, Jacek preferred to stay at home, in his little cozy world and draw paper with a pencil (as I understand him).
Yerka hereditary artist, his parents were graduates of the local branch of the Polish Academy of Fine Arts (if I understood the English wiki correctly). Naturally, since childhood, he had to coexist with toxic paints, brushes, paintings and talk about painting.
As a child, Jacek Yerka did not even think of becoming an artist, like his parents, but was going to do astronomy or medicine. However, just in case, he nevertheless decided to try to paint with paints, then he was hooked and has not let go until now.
Study of Jacek Jerka at the Copernicus University
Jacek Yerka enters the Faculty of Nicolaus Copernicus University visual arts, where for Jacek begins a long-term removal of the brain about the manner of his drawing.
Still, break the stubborn Polish artist still failed, but he still learned to draw. The artist's day was divided into two halves, in the first he hammered out academic studies (which, however, is also useful), and in the second he painted what he liked (which is even more useful).
Over time, the teachers came to terms with Jacek Jerka's drawing technique and stopped having brains for him. Soon artist Jacek Yerka received the coveted diploma and specialization in printed graphics.
Formation of Jacek Jerka as an artist
Screensaver on Daalder's website, under which a blunt inscription - the film is in production. Since 1990, yes. Well, say that either you don’t have a dough, or you scored. Well, then the usual story begins, contracts with several salons, slowly selling paintings. In 1990, the works Polish artist Hollywood producer Rene Daalder became interested (and who he is, I hear for the first time, only pedivicia helped), who from pictures of Jacek Jerka I was wildly delighted and decided, with the help of an artist, to make a film based on the songs of the Beatles - Strawberry Fields (strawberry fields).
Paintings by Jacek Jerka, as well as possible approached the somewhat strange surreal lyrics. Jacek specially painted some of his paintings for this film, namely "Technoshore", "Interrupted Picnic" and "The Origin of Life". It was in 1990.
Daalder's official website states that the film appears to be still in the making. Apparently Strawberry Fields will be in production for the rest of the day. This is sad.
Paintings by Jacek Yerka, Yerka Jacek
Jacek Yerka as artist is probably a follower Flemish masters. Yes, yes, think that I'm kind of cool, I understand painting, and not just spied on pediviki. Jacek Yerka himself claims that the greatest influence on his paintings was made by such artists as Hieronymus Bosch, Pieter Brueghel the Elder, Jan van Eyck, Hugo van der Goes, ICSH - all Dutch. It is clear where such a passion for small details and careful writing comes from, just look at Bosch's canvases. However, this does not harm the paintings of Jacek Jerka, but rather, on the contrary, it has become a kind of feature.
It's for the beauty small parts as well as for mind-blowing subjects that combine the technique of the fifties, architecture, animals, nature and, suddenly, the comfort of home, many people love Jacek's paintings.
The materials that the artist uses in painting are mainly pastel, acrylic paints and hellish patience. Jacek Jerka's paintings are presented with titles, though in Polish or English, but almost everything is clear.
Paintings by Jacek Jerka with titles
Widzenie over Zatoka Genuenska, 1992 
Zeppelin, 1992 
Tryptyk Jamesa, 1996 
Powrot do domu 1992 
Przyjemnosci smoka, 1995 
Message, Sen nocy letniej, 2003. It looks like the artist has a passion for blankets, cats and pillows:) Your dude! ;) 
Populudnie lwa, The lion's afternoon, jacek yerka paintings. Hmm, it seems that it was not without the influence of Magritte with his lions under the table :) 
port 
Podwojne zycie, Double life, 1993. 
Alarmsaurus! Just kidding :) Honestly, I don’t know what it’s called, but it’s very similar to an alarm clockosaurus;) 
narodziny_zycia, one of Jacek Jerka's paintings for Daalder's film Strawberry Fields 
Na brzegu kosmosu, 1992 
There is a place in it for cheerful and optimistic paintings by completely different artists. Today I will remember the wonderful and inspiring joyful emotions masters of realistic surrealism - Jacek Yerki (Jacek Yerka, real name Jacek Kowalski), a Polish artist whose paintings are filled with light and light humor fantastic stories. To some extent, his paintings resemble works, they are also woven from illusions and children's fantasies, which the artist skillfully operates with. However, art connoisseurs will notice notes in his canvases Salvador Dali, Pieter Brueghel Art., I. Bosch, Van Eyck and other eminent painters of the past. One way or another - you be the judge, and I'll just briefly point out important points from the biography of Jacek Jerka.
The spring labyrinth
polish bonsai
tower of subconsciousness
bible lady
Roof of the world
Pocket jungle room
Keep silence
pearl harbor
The mushroom king
Jacek was born in the city of Torun in northern Poland in 1952. Since childhood, he was surrounded by views of the medieval castles of Poland dilapidated after the war in the vicinity of the house, as well as his favorite place in it - his grandmother's kitchen. The boy had a rich imagination and a craving for drawing. He painted his first painting before entering college. Drawing abilities were most strongly developed during Jacek's studies at the Faculty of Fine Arts at the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torsun. The original vision of the young artist did not find a response and approval among his teachers, the style and detail of his paintings did not meet their ideas about painting, but due to the persistence of the student in the fourth year of study, the teachers were forced to retreat, admitting their defeat. One way or another, but having almost the worst mark in academic performance at the university, Jacek created his own unique style which is now commonly referred to as neo-surrealism. The artist invested all the money earned at first in self-education, having received his first award for the created poster, Jacek bought an album of works by Dürer and Bosch.
Attack at dawn
The private wave
The second day of Genesis
Autumn
New Age Manhattan
S.A.D.
Sierra Telegraphica
Since 1980, Jacek began to paint professionally, and in 1994 for the first time he published a collection of his works Mind Fields, and in 1999 - the second collection of 21 works - " Art of Jacek Yerka". In 1995, for his services, the artist receives prestigious award World Fantasy Award. The master's works can be found in various publications in the USA, Poland, Canada, Germany, France, Monaco and other countries, his paintings are a tidbit of various collectors around the world. Many illustrations serve as covers for books and CDs. musical groups. And this is not surprising, Yerka's colorful paintings full of fantastic scenes impress many people of art, they are a source of inspiration for them. Yes, American fiction Harlan Ellison, impressed by the paintings included in Mind Fields, wrote 13 short fantasy stories for them. You can see for yourself - it was worth it!
The Express Delivery
The winter wave
Dragon's pleasure
Amonite
three seasons
Jacek loves to work en plein air in calm, clear weather in his Polish fiefdom. The process of creating paintings by the master is interesting. He describes it like this. First he sketches with his left hand future picture pencil (the artist is left-handed), after which he takes the created sketch to the strict court of his family. Usually the paintings are not accepted by a strict jury and soon disappear from the master's archive or, at best, are sold to collectors. If the picture is approved, then Jacek draws it with a pastel measuring 60x48 cm and it already receives the status of a work of art, but this is only a transitional stage for the artist - only by embodying it on canvas acrylic paint he shows all the nuances of colors and shapes, fully and comprehensively reveals the concept of the picture, both in form and content. Well, we can only admire these works ... :)
Flying villages and strawberry beaches - such a reality exists only in the paintings of the Polish artist Jacek Jerka. His imagination is the real kingdom fictional worlds, mysterious creatures and fantastic landscapes that the artist conveys on canvas. Although most of the images he created have almost nothing to do with reality, the artist's attention to detail and bright saturated colors make us believe in the existence of the places drawn in his paintings. Enjoy fantasy worlds Jacek Jerka is with us.
20 PHOTOS
1. In the photo: the painting "Autumn". (Photo: Jacek Yerka/facebook.com).
Jacek Yerka was born in Torun (Poland) in 1952. From childhood he was fond of drawing and modeling. The artist writes on his website: “My fingers have always been cut with a knife that I never parted with. This is my "escape" from the gray, sometimes frightening reality: drawings, hundreds of drawings and small sculptures - boats, heads, characters, fantastic masks.
2. "Dragon Delight." Fortunately, at the school, which was a "nightmare" for the artist due to difficulties in relations with colleagues, thanks to the understanding of the teachers, Jacek Jerka was able to do his work even during the lessons, which made him very happy. (Photo: Jacek Yerka/facebook.com).
3. "Alley of time". Despite the artist's talent and passion for drawing, at first the author of these unusual paintings did not want to devote himself to art, like his parents, who were students of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń. Jacek Jerka wanted to become a doctor or an astronomer and not follow in the footsteps of his ancestors. (Photo: Jacek Yerka/facebook.com).
4. "Zeppelin II". However, later young artist changed his mind about future profession when, a year before graduation, he began to draw oil paints and discovered for himself, as he wrote on his website, "the mysterious world of colors and colors." Then he decided to try his hand at impressionism, abstraction, surrealism and many other areas. modern painting. (Photo: Jacek Yerka/facebook.com).
5. "Family itself." In his first year at the university, Jacek Yerka delved into the history of art and became interested in the 16th century Dutch painting, which eventually became for him inexhaustible source inspiration, his muse and guide to long years creativity. Then he did not succumb to the persuasion of his teachers, who urged him to draw in more modern style. (Photo: Jacek Yerka/facebook.com).
6. "Snail". An important milestone in the artistic career of Jacek Jerka was the drawing of posters. While still a student, his posters won great popularity, as well as many awards at national and international competitions. However, after a few years, the artist devoted himself entirely to painting. (Photo: Jacek Yerka/facebook.com).
7. "Polish cuisine". Since the 1980s, Jacek Yerka has been creating surreal, colorful paintings that show people mysterious creatures and subjects of the country and its version famous landscapes. Your vision of the world. The main source of his inspiration is the Polish village, where he often comes, as well as dreams and memories from his childhood, especially walks with his beloved grandmother in the forest. (Photo: Jacek Yerka/facebook.com).
8. "Three Seasons". How does the artist create such fantastic, color-rich paintings? When he has an idea, he says, he sketches on paper with colored pencils and then asks his wife and four daughters for their opinion. If they like the project, it becomes the basis for the pastel painting, which he has been painting for almost 20 years. (Photo: Jacek Yerka/facebook.com).
9. Sierra telegraphica. In 1995, the paintings of Jacek Jerka received one of the most prestigious awards in the field of fantasy - the World Fantasy Award. (Photo: Jacek Yerka/facebook.com).
10. "Express package". (Photo: Jacek Yerka/facebook.com). 
11. "Polish Bonsai". (Photo: Jacek Yerka/facebook.com). 
12. "Young andron". (Photo: Jacek Yerka/facebook.com). 
13. Strawberry Beach. (Photo: Jacek Yerka/facebook.com). 
14. "Erosion". (Photo: Jacek Yerka/facebook.com). 
15. "Spring labyrinth". (Photo: Jacek Yerka/facebook.com). 
16. "House at the source." (Photo: Jacek Yerka/facebook.com).
