For Olaf Hajek, understanding differences is not about opposition but discovering connections. The Berlin-based illustrator creates intricate, surreal artworks inspired by Surrealist legends like Leonora Carrington and Remedios Varo. His compositions weave together elements of nature and culture, enveloped in mystique and magic, inviting viewers to let go of their preconceptions and appreciate the charm of the unknown.
An enthusiastic traveler and consumer of culture, Hajek draws from a wide array of images gathered from diverse sources and locations. He blends folklore, traditional practices, spiritual elements, and natural motifs to craft a unique aesthetic. “What intrigues me is not their differences but the connections between them—the potential to create a universal visual language by combining various influences. This fusion transcends cultural boundaries, revealing something shared and timeless,” he explains.
Ambiguity is crucial in Hajek’s work, expressed through overlapping florals and figures, sudden changes in scale, and the interplay between decay and renewal. His portrayals of gender and masculinity are marked by softness and fluidity, using vibrant botanical motifs.
Hajek employs both sketching and painting on paper in a spontaneous and intuitive style. “I welcome the unexpected—how colors interact, how forms merge, and how compositions organically develop. In particular, works on paper feel more immediate, akin to a direct conversation with the moment,” he shares with Colossal.
When working on canvas, a more defined vision is necessary, and these two approaches complement each other in his art. “They are components of the same creative process, constantly balancing intention with surprise, structure with freedom,” he notes.
Hajek will feature in several upcoming exhibitions, including a group show at Feinkunst Krüger in Hamburg, and two solo exhibitions at Museum Franz Xaver Stahl in Erding and Kaplan Projects in Palma de Mallorca. More of his work can be viewed on Instagram.
