Kaja Barylka

Kaja Baryłka is one of our Startworks artists for 2022. An illustrator from Gdańsk, Poland who graduated from Falmouth University of Arts in 2022 with a first in Illustration. For them, art is the way they can translate the beauty of different cultures and history for others to easily digest and appreciate, with a focus on intricate details and story-tellling.

They enjoy working with animals and plants, using botanical motifs and symbolism. They are constantly searching for all things beautiful and magical to reinterpret, something to reflect the magic of childhood felt when reading tales, and viewing nature through rose-tinted lenses.

Their art is inspired by old book illustrations and Art Nouveau, creating their own hand-painted textures, giving the feeling of something truly ‘hand-made’ despite being finished off digitally. Kaja is continuously on the hunt for new skills and ways to branch out and make their art the most versatile, applying various methods and trying out different styles to remain out of their comfort zone and work up their abilities.