Fairy Tale Fantasies; " Black Antoinette " by Olaf Hajek

Black Antoinette is a collection of Olaf Hajek's most recent work that was created over the last three years - a striking selection of personal artwork, editorial contracts, and commercial portraits that showcase a remarkable style that has become more free and painterly during this time. His  colorful illustrations and textured paintings are infused with a folkloristic naivety and freshness. The German artist masterfully melds influences from West African and Latin American art to create surreal juxtapositions of fairy tale fantasies and disordered realities.

Based in Berlin, Olaf Hajek is currently one of the world's most successful and well-known illustrative artists. His work can be seen in newspapers including the New York Times and the Washington Post, in magazines such as Rolling Stone and Time, in advertisements, and on stamps for Great Britain's Royal Mail. Over the last several years his personal work has captured increasing attention on the international art market. After exhibitions in London, New York, Atlanta, Buenos Aires, and Cape Town, Olaf Hajek's artworks are now on view at Gestalten Space in Berlin.

This exhibit also celebrates the launch of Olaf Hajek's second monograph Black Antoinette.

The exhibit

 © African Beauty, 2011 by Olaf Hajek. Courtesy of Gestalten

 © African Nature Man, 2011 by Olaf Hajek. Courtesy of Gestalten

 © Milagros, 2010 by Olaf Hajek. Courtesy of Gestalten

 © Milagros 2, 2010 by Olaf Hajek. Courtesy of Gestalten

 © Chopin, 2009 by Olaf Hajek. Courtesy of Gestalten

 © REM, 2011 by Olaf Hajek. Courtesy of Gestalten

 © Tree of Ancient Times, 2011 by Olaf Hajek. Courtesy of Gestalten

© Oranges are Not the Only Fruit, 2011 by Olaf Hajek. Courtesy of Gestalten

Black Antoinette by Olaf Hajek

Illustrations from the book

Images Courtesy of Gestalten

Black Antoinette, The Work of Olaf Hajek will be released in August in the US.
Courtesy of Gestalten, Berlin.