Maciej Cieśla Discusses Neo-Fauvism, Folklore, and New Tarantula Series in Singulart Interview

Key facts

• Maciej Cieśla has returned to his expressive and Fauvist roots, using color as his primary means of expression.
• He combines European folklore with South American exotic imagery in his work.
• A new series of expressive paintings features tarantulas, inspired by his personal life as a tarantula keeper.
• He cites "Women – Nymphs, the Low Mountains of Tuscany" and "I'm the Night 2" as representative of his current practice.
• His travels through Tuscany and years in mountains, plus five years at the Academy of Fine Arts, have greatly influenced him.
• He has struggled with dark thoughts and depression, using painting as an escape and source of peace.
• He is currently building a cohesive collection combining exotic landscapes, jungles, decorative patterns, female figures, and fantasy.
• After graduating from the Academy of Arts in Wrocław, he spent two years searching for his unique style, learning self-acceptance and trust in his instincts.
• Living in Poland, he draws on Central European folklore's dark, medieval side, mixing Polish mythology with exotic imagery.
• His work combines neo-fauvism, abstract geometric forms, and symbolism to explore human relationships with irony and symbolism.
• Music, especially jazz, and primitive art are newer inspirations, with rhythms translated directly onto canvas.
• The interview was published on Singulart Magazine on October 14, 2026.