yacek-yerka title Jacek Yerka (1952-)

The composition presents a surreal architectural landscape dominated by imposing brick structures that seem both medieval and industrial in character. These buildings frame a central archway through which a winding road leads towards a distant, pastoral vista of rolling hills under a cloudy sky. The perspective is deliberately skewed, creating a sense of disorientation and dreamlike unreality.
A significant element disrupting the architectural order is the presence of what appears to be a colossal creature – its tail prominently displayed in the foreground, merging seamlessly with the road itself. This organic form contrasts sharply with the rigid geometry of the brickwork, suggesting an intrusion of nature or mythology into a constructed environment. The creature’s scale dwarfs the surrounding buildings and vehicles, emphasizing its power and otherness. A vintage automobile is positioned on top of the tail, further highlighting the incongruity of the scene.
Within the archway itself, a domestic interior is revealed – a bedroom with a bed, a table laden with objects, and a figure seated at it. This intimate space seems precariously suspended between the monumental architecture and the expansive landscape, suggesting vulnerability or isolation. The presence of a dove perched near the window introduces a symbolic element often associated with peace, hope, or spiritual guidance, which stands in stark contrast to the imposing nature of the surrounding environment.
The color palette is muted – primarily browns, grays, and ochres – which contributes to the overall atmosphere of melancholy and mystery. The lighting is diffused, casting long shadows and flattening perspective, further enhancing the dreamlike quality of the scene.
Subtexts within this work appear to explore themes of the relationship between humanity and nature, the intrusion of myth into reality, and the fragility of domesticity in the face of overwhelming forces. The juxtaposition of disparate elements – the ancient architecture, the fantastical creature, the vintage automobile, and the intimate interior – suggests a commentary on the complexities of modern existence and the enduring power of imagination. It is possible to interpret this as an allegory for the way that personal experience can be shaped by larger historical or cultural forces.