“The journey of my creations is finding harmony and peace in chaos.”
A Journey Through Layers of Color and Meaning
Stefan Filarski’s art is an invitation into a world where color, texture, and storytelling converge to create an immersive experience. His work, spanning acrylic paintings, digital compositions, and hybrid techniques, embodies a search for harmony within visual complexity. Each piece begins as a rough sketch, evolving through layers of paint or digital manipulation, until it reaches a delicate balance between structure and spontaneity. While Filarski does not claim to change the world through his art, he strives to offer moments of joy and introspection to those who engage with his creations.
With nearly three decades of experience as a creative professional, Filarski’s artistic journey has been shaped by his background in art direction and his education at an art academy. Though his early career focused on advertising, he found himself increasingly drawn to painting as a personal form of expression. In 2014, this passion took center stage, marking the beginning of his dedication to producing art with a distinct and recognizable style. His artistic approach embraces both traditional and digital methods, incorporating elements from his professional background while pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling.
Filarski’s work is characterized by its vibrant aesthetic and conceptual depth. His fascination with color and layering is evident across his diverse series, from bold pop-art influences to thought-provoking urban themes. Whether working on a physical canvas or exploring digital platforms like Photoshop and Illustrator, he constructs visual narratives that are both striking and immersive. Through his signature approach, he transforms ordinary objects and moments into extraordinary artistic statements, always leaving room for interpretation and emotional connection.
Stefan Filarski: From Advertising to Artistic Expression
Filarski’s path to becoming an artist was unconventional, shaped by a career that initially took him into the advertising industry. His decision to attend art school was driven by an ambition to work in art direction rather than fine art. However, during his studies, some of his instructors saw potential in him as a painter, encouraging him to explore that path. Despite their advice, he pursued his goal in advertising, where he would spend years crafting compelling visual campaigns for both local and international brands.
Throughout his career as an art director, painting remained a personal refuge—a creative outlet that allowed him to step away from commercial constraints. Whenever he felt the need to escape the structured world of advertising, he turned to his canvas, experimenting with form, color, and storytelling. These moments of artistic exploration became increasingly important, leading him to embrace painting not just as a hobby, but as a calling. Eventually, this transition became inevitable, and he committed himself fully to the pursuit of art.
The skills Filarski developed in advertising have deeply influenced his approach to painting. His ability to communicate through strong visual elements, his command of composition, and his expertise in digital tools have all shaped the distinct style that defines his work today. By blending the precision of digital design with the expressive qualities of painting, he has created a body of work that bridges the gap between the commercial and the personal, the structured and the free-flowing.
The Language of Symbols and Color
Filarski’s work is a fusion of graphic elements, text, and layered imagery, creating a dynamic interplay between abstraction and storytelling. His artistic style is heavily influenced by Cobra and pop-art movements, both of which celebrate bold colors and expressive forms. Among his most recognizable creations is ‘The Dude,’ a playful character designed to convey positivity and companionship. With a simple yet engaging presence, ‘The Dude’ embodies Filarski’s desire to create art that resonates with people on a personal level, inviting them to form their own interpretations.
In addition to character-driven works, Filarski often explores urban themes, repurposing everyday objects and discarded materials into large-scale, visually striking pieces. One of his most significant projects is the Crushed Can series, which began in 2014 with a single, unexpected moment of inspiration. After spotting a flattened Amstel beer can in a parking lot, he envisioned a dramatically enlarged version of it on canvas. This seemingly mundane object was transformed into an artwork measuring 1.5 by 2 meters, elevating a piece of street litter into a compelling visual statement. Over time, the series expanded, with 15 original Crushed Can pieces finding homes with collectors—though the very first remains unsold, holding a special significance for the artist.
Filarski’s approach to art is rooted in a conceptual foundation. Each project starts with an idea, which he then explores through a series of works. Whether working on The Dude, the Crushed Can series, or his Deconstructed Heads, he builds narratives through repetition and variation, allowing each piece to contribute to a larger story. By layering elements both visually and thematically, he challenges viewers to engage with his work beyond the surface, prompting them to consider the deeper meanings hidden within the vibrant compositions.
Stefan Filarski: Creating 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 outside influences. Music plays a crucial role in this process—long techno sets help him maintain focus, creating an almost trance-like state that allows him to work with a sense of fluidity and rhythm. Solitude is not just a preference but a necessity, enabling him to channel his ideas without external disruptions.
Despite his solitary approach to creation, Filarski’s work is far from isolated in its impact. His artistic influences are vast, ranging from street art to classic movements like Cobra and pop-art. He actively follows contemporary artists on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, staying engaged with the broader artistic landscape. However, his greatest source of inspiration remains life itself—the moments he experiences, the objects he encounters, and the emotions he seeks to capture on canvas.
Looking ahead, Filarski envisions a project that will introduce an entirely new layer of engagement to his work. Though still in development, he is working on an interactive painting concept where painted figures will subtly respond to the presence and movements of the audience. This ambitious idea marks an evolution in his artistic journey, blending technology with traditional techniques to create an experience that goes beyond the visual. By integrating interaction into his art, he aims to bridge the gap between artist and viewer, inviting people not just to observe but to participate in the storytelling process.
You can follow Stefan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefanfilarski/
