The Surrealism Website
Jacek Yerka (1952-)
Born in Poland, Jacek Yerka studied fine art and graphics prior to becoming a full-time artist in 1980. While at university, Yerka resisted the constant pressures of his instructors to adopt the less detailed, less realistic techniques that characterise so much of contemporary art. Instead, he stubbornly continued to work in the classic, meticulous Flemish style he still favors to this day. In the end, it was his teachers who eventually relented, finally recognizing their determined student as a brilliant talent.
The pastoral atmosphere of the Polish countryside provides a solid, mimetic foundation for much of Yerka’s art.
However, it is his own uniquely evocative dreams that characterise the complex, often arcane imagery of his work.
His appreciation of the master painters of the 15th and 16th centuries, were key factors in the development of his surrealist style. Hieronymus Bosch, Pieter Bruegel, Hugo van der Goes and Jan van Eyck were powerful, early influences.
In 1995 the artist was awarded the prestigious World Fantasy Award for the best artist. He exhibits in Poland and abroad (in Germany, France and USA among others), being an esteemed representative of the science fiction stream of art. His paintings have recently inspired film makers.
