Jakub Julian Ziółkowski

Jakub Julian Ziółkowski's vibrant works are bizarre and alluring. In his wild, surreal cosmos of mutant humans, organic forms, and circulatory systems, the Polish painter mixes cultural symbols, the decorative, and the fantastic. Juxtaposing the spiritual and the microscopic, he creates a universe bristling with detail and a kaleidoscope of references—from Hieronymus Bosch's visions of heaven and hell to James Ensor's grotesque allegories and Philip Guston. Yet, his paintings show a highly personal world populated by a recurring cast of characters. This publication is the first comprehensive overview of his work from 2005 to the present, providing insights into his artistic practice in different media: from painting to sculpture, ceramics, and drawing. The book includes essays by Olga Tokarczuk, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, and Cecilia Alemani, curator of the 59th Venice Biennale, an in-depth interview with the artist, as well as texts by philosopher Kajetan Młynarski and psychologist Bartłomiej Dobroczyński. Jakub Julian Ziółkowski (born 1980 in Zamość, Poland) is one of the most eminent Polish contemporary painters. He trained at the Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków, where he lives and works today. Since 2003, his work has been shown in numerous group and solo exhibitions, including Hauser & Wirth, London (2017), Neues Museum Nürnberg (2017), and the 55th Biennale di Venezia (2013).