Olaf Hajek, originally hailing from Rendsburg, Germany, has established himself as a prominent artist in the contemporary art scene. His journey began with a degree in graphic design from the University of Applied Sciences in Düsseldorf, Germany. Subsequently, he embarked on a creative odyssey that led him to Amsterdam, where he ventured into the realm of freelance artistry.
While his base of operations is primarily in Berlin, Olaf is a globetrotter at heart, and his artistic presence knows no geographical bounds. He is internationally recognised and represented by agencies spanning across nearly every continent, underscoring his widespread acclaim.
Renowned for his technical prowess, Olaf's work is a testament to his skill as an illustrator. He crafts mesmerising visual compositions, weaving intricate patterns, captivating scenes, and imaginative characters that blur the boundaries between nature and artifice. His wellspring of inspiration is drawn from a multitude of sources, including his extensive travels, perusal of magazines, and exploration of the digital realm.
Olaf's artistic tapestry is a vibrant fusion of diverse cultural influences, incorporating elements from African traditions, Indian temple art, South American folklore, and contemporary pop culture. In his hands, these influences are ingeniously reimagined, creating almost surreal tableaux that challenge conventional artistic norms.
Throughout his body of work, Olaf deftly plays with motifs of flora and fauna, archaic symbols, and contemporary themes.His meticulous attention to detail and his fearless embrace of vibrant colours infuse each piece with a sense of vivacity and depth.
Notably, Olaf's personal artistic journey has been punctuated by solo exhibitions in prestigious art hubs such as Hamburg, Munich, Berlin, Atlanta, and Cape Town. His exhibitions serve as a testament to his unique artistic vision and his enduring impact on the global art landscape.
Solo Exhibitions
2023 Gengenbach Paradiese Solo Show, Museum Haus Löwenberg
2023 Trost, Anna Jill Lüpertz Gallery, Salzburg, Österreich
2022 Olaf Hajek, Anna Jill Lüpertz Gallery, Hamburg
2021 El Jardín del Explorador, Gallery Kaplan Projects, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
2021 Natura Morte, Anna Jill Lüpertz Gallery, Berlin
2020 Book Launch – Flower Power with recent artwork Geistesblüten, Berlin
2019 Olaf Hajek - Secret Garden, Anna Jill Lüpertz Gallery in Kooperation mit der ADC Gallery, Zürich, Schweiz
2019 Olaf Hajek, Bernard Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa
2019 Olaf Hajek – Travel the World and the Seven Seas, Anna Jill Lüpertz Gallery, Potsdam
2018 Olaf Hajek – New Paintings, Whatiftheworld Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa
2017 Au Marché, Anna Jill Lüpertz Gallery, Berlin
2016 Jäger und Sammler, Anna Jill Lüpertz Gallery, München
2015 Precious, Anna Jill Lüpertz Gallery, Hamburg
2013 Still Life, Anna Jill Lüpertz Gallery, Berlin
2013 Strange Flowers, Whatiftheworld Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa
2012 The King Has Lost His Crown, Anna Jill Lüpertz Gallery, Berlin
2012 Black Antoinette, Gestalten Space, Berlin
2011 Olaf Hajek, Werft2, Anna Jill Lüpertz Gallery, Berlin
2011 Dark Clouds Are Gathering, Whatiftheworld Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa
2010 Flowerhead, Direktorenhaus, Berlin
2010 Masquerade, Marcia Wood Gallery, Atlanta, USA
Selected Group Exhibitions
2023 The Logic of Error, Migrant Bird Space Group Show, Berlin
2023 The Annual Winter Group Show, Galleri Christoffer Egelung, Copenhagen, Denmark
2022 The Annual Group Show 18th Edition, Galleri Christoffer Egelung, Copenhagen, Denmark
2022 Olaf Hajek & Hannes Helmke, Nacht der Galerien, Galerie am Dom, Wetzlar
2020 Blüten und Früchte, Museum Haus Löwenberg, Gengenbach
2020 Dark Patterns II, Feinkunst Krüger, Hamburg
2020 CollAge, Semjon Contemporary, Berlin
2019 Beauty of Confusion, Feinkunst Krüger, Hamburg
2019 Olaf Hajek & Paul Schrader, Barlach Halle K, Hamburg
2017 / +, Galerie Kleindienst im BIKINI, Berlin
2015 Inspired by the 18th Century, Kasteel d’Ursel, Belgium
2014 Lieber Künstler zeichne mir, Semjon Contemporary,Berlin
2014 1398 Artists of the Gallery, Anna Jill Lüpertz Gallery,Berlin
2009 Illustrative 09, Berlin
2008 Maskerade, Galerie Johanssen, Berlin
2007 Illustrative 07, Paris
2007 Illustrative 07, Berlin
2007 BBAX07, Buenos Aires
2006 Illustrative Preview, Galerie Johanssen, Berlin
2004 NOTANGO, Berlin