Jacek Yerka – Ursus The Victor (Abraxsis) Jacek Yerka (1952-)

The composition presents a curious juxtaposition of rural and mechanical elements within what appears to be a barn-like structure. The immediate impression is one of unexpected scale and incongruity. A large, red agricultural machine dominates the central space, its form rendered with meticulous detail suggesting both power and an unsettling presence. This device isnt simply placed; it seems to have grown organically from the architecture itself, with pipes and conduits intertwining with the wooden beams overhead.
The barn’s exterior is depicted in a style reminiscent of traditional rural buildings, complete with a thatched roof and whitewashed walls. A partially open door reveals a landscape beyond – an idyllic scene of rolling hills and verdant fields bathed in soft light. This pastoral vista contrasts sharply with the industrial nature of the machine within the barn, creating a sense of displacement or hidden reality.
A serpentine form emerges from behind the doorway on the left side, its scales rendered with precision, adding another layer of surrealism to the scene. The snake’s presence introduces an element of mythology and primal symbolism, hinting at forces beyond human comprehension. Its connection to the landscape visible through the door suggests a link between natures ancient power and the encroaching influence of technology.
The overall effect is one of unsettling ambiguity. The artist seems to be exploring themes of progress versus tradition, the natural world versus the mechanical, and perhaps even the potential for technology to both enhance and disrupt our relationship with the environment. The deliberate contrast in scale – between the miniature landscape viewed through the doorway and the imposing machine within – generates a feeling of disorientation and invites contemplation on the nature of perception and reality. The presence of the snake, a recurring symbol across cultures representing wisdom, transformation, or even chaos, further complicates the interpretation, suggesting that the Victor is not necessarily benevolent but rather embodies a force whose implications are complex and potentially dangerous.