Jakub Smolaga (b. 1999, Olsztyn), "Game of Dice," 2026

Biography
Graduate of Graphic Design, currently living and creating in Gdansk, Poland. His creative practice stretches between painting and digital graphics, reaching also for means of expression from the area of design and fashion. In his work, he primarily uses acrylic on canvas and computer graphics, creating expressive compositions inspired by cartoon aesthetics and street art. His style is recognizable - vibrant, contrasting, full of energy and visual tension, often balancing on the border between pop-culture chaos and thoughtful form. He draws inspiration from street culture and contemporary visual media. He considers Slawn and Jimbo Philips, among others, to be his most important artistic role models. For Jacob, the most important thing in art is not what you see, but whether it moves something in you. In his own words: "It doesn't matter what - it's important that you think anything when looking at a painting." This approach translates into works that do not impose an interpretation, but provoke an emotional and intellectual response.