Short Biography:

Maciej Jedrzejewski was born in 1993 in the small, quiet town of Chelmza, located in North West Poland. He graduated with a BA (Hons) in Graphic and Digital Design from the University of Greenwich in 2015. One of his earliest memories of drawing is from a night when he couldn't sleep and, too scared to wake his parents, decided to draw on his bedroom wall.

His mother often took him to their local cathedral, which made a profound impression on him. While others listened to the Bible readings, he was captivated by the paintings and the stories they told. In 2005, at the age of 11, he moved to England with his family, settling in the heart of Peckham. This area introduced him to African and Hip-Hop culture, blending spirituality and rebelliousness into a continuous source of inspiration for his art.

As he journeys through life, Maciej uses his art as a diary, reflecting on his experiences. His work is rooted in Surrealism and Abstraction, created in a semi-automated fashion that relies heavily on his subconscious. This process leads to the discovery of the artwork during its creation. He believes a new movement, 'Neo-Surrealism', is emerging. His work explores not only the individual's subconscious but also the use of light and colour to evoke mystical, spiritual, and surreal sensations.

Maciej has also worked with SEN children, which has further influenced his art. Greatly inspired by Buddhism and lucid dreaming, he aims to achieve a sense of escape and arrival in his work. His passion is fuelled by the belief that art, especially painting, can once again awaken divine emotions within individuals. In 2017, Maciej joined the Association of Polish Artists in Great Britain (APA), where he is an active member. Since 2021 he began drawing weekly satire for Tydzien Polski.

Artist Statement: 

Art should awaken emotions in those who experience it; this is its most important role. The medium is irrelevant—what matters is that it sparks an overwhelming wave of feelings. These emotions should be akin to those felt during spiritual rituals, religious ceremonies, or falling in love. Experiencing art should evoke the same intensity as attending a funeral for the first time, holding a newborn, making love, sharing a first kiss, becoming aware of your existence and place in the universe, or gazing at the stars, unable to look away.

When you first encounter a new piece of art, it should evoke these profound sensations. If it doesn't make you reflect on the beauty and wonder of existence, it is missing a crucial element. Art should take you down memory lane, bringing forth memories from childhood or other deeply buried moments in your life. While it doesn't have to resemble reality, it should mirror the human soul.