Hajek uses folk culture, mythology, religion, history, and geography to explore the opposition between imagination and reality within our culture.Born in North Germany, Hajek splits his time between his homeland, London, and New York. Originally studying to be a graphic designer, Olaf switched to illustration and taught alongside the likes of Punk fashion legend, Vivienne Westwood.[1] He quickly gained a following for his bold combinations of color, texture, and strong themes, and his success led to illustrating numerous advertising campaigns, art shows, clients, and awards.Hajek’s illustrations have been featured in publications like The Financial Times, The New Yorker, Playboy, Rolling Stone, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, GQ, and Architectural Digest. (Wikipedia)
1- When did you decide to pursue art/illustration as a career? As a Kid I already was always drawing and painting: I knew from the beginning on that I want to do something with Art and Illustration
2- What are your goals as an artist? To create my idea of beauty and my image of the world. I am inspired by the imperfection of beauty and the power of simplicity. I love African and South American Folk Art and Indian Miniatures.
I was always in love with the hand painted african barber shop and advertising signs. These simple paintings have such a sophisticated power. I think that there is always a bit of a darker side of my paintings aswell.
My paintings could look beautiful, but I am glad if the beholder is taking a second look. I just was offered to do a new solo show in a gallery in South Africa Whatiftheworld gallery) and I was using my impressions of Africa as a departure point for the series of paintings. I tried to combine a sense of wonder inspired by the continents natural beauty with a darker look at its social and political reality.
I was always in love with the hand painted african barber shop and advertising signs. These simple paintings have such a sophisticated power. I think that there is always a bit of a darker side of my paintings aswell.
My paintings could look beautiful, but I am glad if the beholder is taking a second look. I just was offered to do a new solo show in a gallery in South Africa Whatiftheworld gallery) and I was using my impressions of Africa as a departure point for the series of paintings. I tried to combine a sense of wonder inspired by the continents natural beauty with a darker look at its social and political reality.
3- What's your favorite place to developed your ideas? For my show at Whatiftheworld Gallery I just spent 3 months painting in Cape Town, South Africa. I was so productive and inspired. I believe this location had a deep inpact on me and my work.
4- Where in the world is your favorite place to see art? I love so much African and South American folk art and Indian miniatures. Whenever I am in New York my first thing to do was to go to the American Folk Art Museum.
5- What exhibit, that you have seen within the last year, has most influenced you? The Retrospective from „Gert and Uwe Tobias“
6- Do you collect anything? I collect art, mostly drawings and sketches, I have some wonderful work from Nathan Carter, Mark Brandenburg and Neo Rauch. I have a big collection of african sculptures, Folk Art Figures, an old nigerian handpainted Filmposter and a
wonderful drafted Flag from Ghana.
wonderful drafted Flag from Ghana.
7- If you could choose anyone to see your work, who would he or she be? I love the diversity and love the different reaction on my work from different people. Thats why I love the opening of my gallery shows.
8- What is the greatest compliment anyone has ever paid to you regarding your artwork? I get a lot of wonderful feedback and some people feel very close to my work, which is the most amazing compliment.
8- What is the greatest compliment anyone has ever paid to you regarding your artwork? I get a lot of wonderful feedback and some people feel very close to my work, which is the most amazing compliment.
9- In which walls would you like to see your work exposed in 10/20 years. I am working hard right now to become more and more a fine artist. I had a long career as a very successful illustrator, so my goal is now to get into great galleries. I had a good start, but want to find some special galleries in New York and London. In 10 years it would be amazing just to make a living from exhibition sales.
10. Last one, Who would you love to see answering this same questions? Christoph Rückhäberle
10. Last one, Who would you love to see answering this same questions? Christoph Rückhäberle
