Empathy, pain, support, helplessness, isolation, and transformation are among the many aspects of human existence that Gaya Lastovjak explores in her art. She focuses on issues related to human behavior and emotions, examining their inherent complexity and the individual’s place in the world. Her inspiration is drawn from both keen observation of others and personal experiences, lending each piece a profound symbolic meaning. Lastovjak creates her three-dimensional relief paintings using a unique original technique, merging papier-mâché, canvas, and oil paint. The artist frequently enriches the medium with raw elements such as rope, moss, hair, or metal mesh, which serve as additional layers of meaning and strengthen the symbolic resonance of her compositions. These works explore the dualistic nature of humanity—the coexistence of good and evil—while engaging in a constant dialogue with current global events.

“As an artist, I’m fascinated by existential mechanisms and

emotions, such as struggle, strength, fear, but also freedom, love, and eroticism, as they dynamically enter into dialogue with history, society and human individuality.”

By covering her works primarily in white, Lastovjak replaces traditional color with a play of light and shadow. This allows the pieces to gain a visual dimension that exists between painting and sculpture, where the gravity of the themes collides with a harmonious, minimalist form. While her silhouettes appear static, as if frozen in time, they convey a powerful message through the precision of body language and gesture.

"I would like my artworks to be remembered as a personal expression of my views, experiences and reactions to the world. I also want to enter into a dialogue with the viewer. Arouse specific emotions and feelings in him, motivate to reflect on himself and the world around him, or maybe even to change for the better."

In her practice, Gaya Lastovjak explores human emotions, behaviors, and current global events. Her work is deeply rooted in philosophical anthropology and psychology, focusing on the existential structure of the human being and their place in the world. She examines the complexities of the psyche, addressing both the virtues and shadows of human nature, as well as the ways individuals adapt to diverse life situations. Gaya’s portfolio is formally diverse, ranging from her primary figurative works to geometric and minimalist compositions. By simplifying form, she enhances the clarity of her message while maintaining aesthetic balance. For the artist, a work of art should transcend its decorative function; it is intended to serve as a voice in important conversations, offering viewers a space for reflection on the human condition and the surrounding world.

Publications & Interviews

The paintings of Gaya Lastovjak are quiet whispers of deep realities, where the refined brightness of paint reduces the heaviness of the human condition, expressed by the frozen poses of her characters. They are essentially a critical language of non-violence. The firmness of her message, reflected in the fragile elegance of the overall composition shows a particular sort of aesthetics that goes beyond any type of standard classification.

Ana Malnar, Paris the Other Way, Paris, France

Gaya Lastovjak’s work has gained recognition through features in national and international publications, including Photographize Arts Culture Magazine (USA), Suboart Magazine (Portugal), Marvelous Art Magazine (UK) or Curatory Magazine (Netherlands). The artist’s evocative imagery has twice been selected for cover features: first for the New York-based literary and fine arts journal The Woven Tale Press, and subsequently for India’s Art Sloth Magazine. Beyond visual features, Lastovjak is frequently invited to discuss her creative process and the underlying philosophy of her work. Her insights have been shared across a diverse range of global media outlets, spanning art journals in Poland, France, Italy, the UK, and the USA, as well as international platforms such as Turkey’s Gazete Sanat World and Independent Arabia.

Exhibitions & Art Fairs

Gaya Lastovjak’s work is regularly showcased in galleries and exhibition spaces both in Poland and abroad. The artist has presented her pieces at such notable events as the 14th Florence Biennial, 59th Venice Art Biennial at the Musa Pavilon, VIII edition of the Rome Art Week (RAW) at the Palazzo della Cancelleria Vaticana, Venanzo Crocetti Museum in Rome, Van Gogh Gallery in Madrid, The Other Art Fair by Saatchi Art, as well as art fairs in Monaco and Basel, Her work has also been exhibited in cities including Rome, Paris, Vienna, and Madrid. In Poland, she consistently participates in major sculpture and contemporary art showcases, such as the Warsaw Art Fair and the LABO Biennale. The photo gallery below documents selected exhibitions, illustrating how her three-dimensional works interact with gallery space and light, creating a meaningful experience for each viewer. To see more details, please click on the selected photo.

Gaya Lastovjak is an acclaimed, award-winning artist. Her work consistently resonates within the global contemporary art discourse, securing top honors across prestigious platforms. Most notably, Lastovjak has been awarded first prize by the American Art Awards (USA), the Teravarna Gallery Artist Grant (USA), and The Fusion Art Gallery (Spain). Her technical mastery and unique vision have further been distinguished with second-place honors at the 12th Edition of the Boynes Artist Award in Australia, the Global Painting Conclave in Canada, and the Art Tour International’s Masters of the 14th Anniversary in the USA. This extensive record of accolades is complemented by high rankings from the Light Space & Time Gallery and ArtisTTable Gallery, as well as the prestigious "Artist of the Month" title from Camelback Gallery. Since 2021, the artist has received 37 international art awards and 8 nominations.

International Art Awards

Gaya Lastovjak’s three-dimensional paintings are remarkably light yet exceptionally durable, crafted from multiple layers of paper pulp and newsprint bonded with wood glue. The pieces typically weigh between 2 and 10 kilograms and are shipped in custom wooden crates to ensure maximum safety during transit. Due to the complexity of the papier-mâché technique, each work takes between several months and a year to complete. The process requires precision; consequently, the artist produces a limited number of works each year—usually only 6 to 10 pieces. A defining feature of Lastovjak’s work is the dynamic play of light and shadow. The convex forms on the canvas cast evolving shadows, allowing the painting to change its character throughout the day depending on the natural light.

At the beginning of 2025 her works was included in the artists' catalogue of the Centre of Polish Sculpture in Orońsko. This is an extraordinary distinction, because this institution is considered one of the most important on the artistic map of Polish art.