The world of contemporary art has found a rare and exceptional voice in Gaya Lastovjak, the second-place winner of this year’s Anniversary Art Cover Contest. A visionary artist based in Krakow, Poland, Lastovjak’s works transcend the boundaries of traditional painting, leaving an indelible mark on the global art scene. Her mastery lies in her innovative technique and the profound dialogue her art inspires, effortlessly intertwining human emotions with philosophical depth.
A Dialogue Between Light and Form
Gaya Lastovjak’s three-dimensional paintings blur the line between painting and sculpture, inviting viewers into a space where shadows—not colors—command attention. In works like Dependency (120x90x18 cm), each piece is a harmonious interplay of papier-mâché, canvas, and oil paint. This textured synthesis creates an ethereal dialogue between light and shadow, embodying a timeless aesthetic that is as introspective as it is visually captivating. Her predominantly white palette allows her pieces to shift dynamically with light, becoming living, breathing entities that change in form and meaning depending on the viewer’s perspective.
The shadows in her work symbolize the dualities of human existence: good and evil, strength and fragility. The static purity of white contrasts with the dynamic shadows, inviting viewers to explore their own emotional landscapes.
“Dependency” Own Technique, 120x90x18 cm, 2022 by Gaya Lastovjak.
The Existential Mechanism of Art
Lastovjak’s creations boldly explore the human condition, addressing primal emotions and existential questions that resonate universally. Her art examines the tension between fear and freedom, along with the transformative power of love and eroticism. She adds profound intellectual and emotional depth to her work through her engagement with philosophical anthropology.
Gaya Lastovjak defies classification with her unique ability to merge painting, sculpture, performance, and installation art. Her works balance strength and vulnerability while exploring moral choices, life roles, and human emotions. This transcends cultural and temporal boundaries, establishing her as a universal artist.
A Legacy in the Making
Gaya Lastovjak’s art is an invitation for collective introspection and growth. Her commitment to dialogue through art ensures her legacy will be impactful. She states, “We should change the world for the better, but we must start with ourselves first.”
As the second-place winner of the Art Cover Contest, we celebrate Lastovjak’s achievements and her ability to inspire. Her work reminds us that there is light and the potential for profound change, even in darkness.
Viviana Puello
Editor-in-Chief
