Wojtek Babski is a passionate Polish painter whose works primarily focus on street and pop art themes. His paintings, which are energetic, spontaneous and colorful, feature characters with bold expressions. One of his artworks, Slow Down, 2021, will be featured in the Online Pop Art Auction on SINGULART’s live section running from the 27th of May to the 2nd of June. Don’t miss his work!
In this interview, Babski gives us an insight into his pop art exploring various painting techniques to create vivid artworks .
Babski, when and how did you know you were going to become an artist?
I did not know. There was always a lot of art, paintings, books and albums in my family home. Growing up, I read biographies of great masters, went to museums, drew a lot. Then I graduated in a technical university. However, I did not like what I was doing and I was drawn to painting. About 15 years ago, I started to paint professionally and I realized that this is what I want to do.
What are your artistic influences and other pop artists who you are most inspired by?
At the beginning I was fascinated by movements such as Impressionism and Cubism or by artists like Picasso or Pollock. Then I discovered pop art. I grew up behind the ”Iron Curtain”: we couldn’t go abroad and access to modern art was limited. When times changed, I saw street art in person. Well, that was something!
My paintings are definitely influenced by Andy Warhol, Banksy, Richard Hamilton and many, many other, often anonymous artists whose works can be seen on the walls in many cities.
What message do you convey through your pop artworks?
Art is indefinable. It can be sublime, patriotic, religious or purely decorative. Pop art has proven that a can of Campbell Soup can be and is an art. I would like to convey humor, irony, and sometimes sarcasm.
The monkey is a character that is often represented in your work. Why is that?
To me, the ape is a good character. It symbolizes a man with various features. However, it does not offend, it arouses sympathy. Sometimes it is stupid, sometimes it is smart, a little like a human in a way.
What do you think you would be doing if you were not an artist?
I could be a traveler or a sailor. I have always wanted to sail around the world on my own sailing yacht. But the reality is that I am in my studio alone creating various paintings. Life is strange…
What advice would you give to young artists who are just starting out?
I will not be original. Work a lot. Watch the masters. Be patient. Refine your technique. Implement your own ideas.
Thank you Babski!
