A trip through layers of color and meaning
Stefan FilarArt is an invitation in a world where color, texture and narration converge to create an immersive experience. His work, covering acrylic paintings, digital compositions and hybrid techniques, embodies a search for harmony in visual complexity. Each piece begins as an approximate sketch, evolving through layers of paint or digital manipulation, until it reaches a delicate balance between structure and spontaneity. Although Filarski does not pretend to change the world through his art, he strives to offer moments of joy and introspection to those who engage with his creations.
With almost three decades of experience as a creative professional, Filarski's artistic journey was shaped by its history in art and its education in an Academy of Art. Although his beginning of a career focused on advertising, he found himself more and more attracted by painting as a form of personal expression. In 2014, this passion took the spotlight, marking the start of its dedication to art production with a distinct and recognizable style. His artistic approach embraces both traditional and digital methods, incorporating elements of his professional experience while pushing the limits of visual narration.
Filarski's work is characterized by its vibrant aesthetic and conceptual depth. His fascination for color and superposition is obvious in his various series, from daring pop-art influences to urban themes that stimulate reflection. Whether on a physical canvas or the exploration of digital platforms like Photoshop and Illustrator, it builds visual stories that are both striking and immersive. Thanks to his signature approach, he transforms ordinary objects and moments into extraordinary artistic declarations, always giving way to emotional interpretation and connection.
Stefan Filarski: from advertising to artistic expression
The Filarski path to become an artist was not conventional, shaped by a career that initially led him to the advertising industry. His decision to frequent the art school was motivated by an ambition to work in the artistic direction rather than by the Beaux-Arts. However, during his studies, some of his instructors saw the potential in him as a painter, encouraging him to explore this path. Despite their advice, he pursued his objective in advertising, where he would spend years creating convincing visual campaigns for local and international brands.
Throughout his career as an artistic director, painting remained a personal refuge – a creative outlet that allowed him to move away from commercial constraints. Whenever he felt the need to escape the structured world of advertising, he turned to his canvas, experimenting with shape, color and narration. These moments of artistic exploration have become increasingly important, the lover to embrace painting not only as a hobby, but as a vocation. Finally, this transition has become inevitable and it is fully committed to pursuing art.
The skills that Filarski has developed in advertising have deeply influenced his approach to painting. Its ability to communicate through strong visual elements, its mastery of composition and its expertise in digital tools have all shaped the distinct style which defines its work today. By mixing the precision of digital design with the expressive qualities of painting, he created a set of works that fill the gap between advertising and staff, structured and free flow.
The language of symbols and color
The work of Filarski is a fusion of graphic elements, text and layers in layers, creating a dynamic interaction between abstraction and narration. His artistic style is strongly influenced by Cobra and Pop-Art movements, which both celebrate daring colors and expressive forms. Among his most recognizable creations is “the guy”, a playful character designed to transmit positivity and the company. With a simple but engaging presence, “The Dude” embodies Filarski's desire to create art that resonates with people at a personal level, inviting them to train their own interpretations.
In addition to the works focused on characters, Filarski often explores urban themes, reusing daily objects and the materials thrown into large -scale and visually striking pieces. One of his most important projects is the Crashed Can series, which started in 2014 with a single moment of unexpected inspiration. After spotting an Amstel flattened beer in a parking lot, he envisaged a considerably extended version of it on canvas. This apparently banal object was transformed into a work of art measuring 1.5 by 2 meters, raising a piece of street litter in a convincing visual declaration. Over time, the series has developed, with 15 original pieces of crushed cans finding houses with collectors, although the very first remain unsold, holding a particular meaning for the artist.
Filarski's approach to art is rooted in a conceptual base. Each project begins with an idea, which he then explores through a series of works. Whether it's working on the guy, the CASCD CAN series, or its deconstructed heads, it builds accounts by repetition and variation, allowing each piece to contribute to a greater history. By superimposing visually and thematic elements, he challenges viewers to engage in his work beyond the surface, encouraging them to consider the deeper meanings hidden in dynamic compositions.
Stefan Filarski: creation in solitude, dreaming of interaction
For Filarski, the creative process is deeply personal and requires an environment free from distractions. His studio serves as a sanctuary where he can fully immerse himself in his work, uninterrupted by external influences. Music plays a crucial role in this process – sets of long techno help it to concentrate, creating an almost trance state which allows it to work with a feeling of fluidity and rhythm. Loneliness is not only a preference but a necessity, allowing it to channel its ideas without external disturbances.
Despite his solitary approach to creation, Filarski's work is far from isolated in its impact. His artistic influences are vast, from street art to classical movements like Cobra and Pop-Art. He actively follows contemporary artists on platforms like Instagram and Youtube, remaining engaged in the wider artistic landscape. However, his greatest source of inspiration remains life itself – the moments he experiences, the objects he meets and the emotions he seeks to capture on canvas.
For the future, Filarski is considering a project that will introduce a whole new layer of engagement in its work. Although still in development, he works on an interactive painting concept where painted figures will subtly respond to the presence and movements of the public. This ambitious idea marks an evolution in its artistic journey, mixing technology with traditional techniques to create an experience that goes beyond the visual. By integrating the interaction into his art, he aims to fill the gap between the artist and the spectator, inviting people not only to observe but to participate in the narration process.
You can follow Stefan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefanfilarrski/
