Coresus at Callirhoe Print

Jiří Janulík *1977 – Czech surrealist I have been interested in drawing ever since my youth and eventually, many years later, started working with oil paints. Surrealists like Salvador Dalí, René Magritte, Toyen – those are just a few names which brought, and still bring, me a great amount of inspiration. Their works have fascinated me ever since I took my first steps towards art. In fact, my first paintings and drawings were strongly influenced by Salvador Dalí in particular. People often connected me and my work with his person, but I would always strive to be myself. That is why I have decided to follow my own path and created my own, original style. Over time, more renown artists would influence my works. I have, for example, been fascinated by Rembrandt and his tenebrism which is often a part of my sceneries. All my paintings are preceded by a number of studies which make a base for my final work. However, I often find myself thinking about and changing parts or even the theme which together makes a base for my final work. I am open-minded and outgoing person - if a customer has their own vision or ideas, I am more than happy to hear them out. That being said, surrealism is what truly drives me and my work. I am always excited when a work can contain my imagination, my own fantasy. And that is how my original, Czech, surreal paintings are made. Each of my works is an original – even if I recreate one motif several times, it is never just a copy of the original work. I tend to change many details which helps me create unique mood and atmosphere. I also annually paint the clapperboard for the Zlín Film Festival. These clapperboards are auctioned during the festival and part of the earnings is dedicated to support young filmmakers etc. I am always eager to discover and try new things. Each of my paintings also reflects my own self.