Artist Bolli Blas, the Polish Queen of Modern-Day Art?

Bolli Blas has carved out a special place for herself in the art world. Thanks to her arresting depiction of eyes that contradict the viewpoints of those who study and evaluate her work.

Bolli wants to leave behind a legacy. Something that will keep her spirit alive in the hearts of her fans. She agrees that, in this era, it’s easier than ever to build a strong legacy.

We had the pleasure of catching up with her to discuss the inspiration behind her most famous artwork, her plans, and upcoming exhibitions.

Hi Bolli, it’s a pleasure to have you with us. May we have a short introduction of you?

Hi, I’m Bollis Blas. I am a modern artist from Britain who was born in Poland. My paintings are best known for the wide-eyed figures called Bollis, who are frequently seen as figurative mirrors of contemporary society and always have their backs to the observer.

My work typically uses vivid, colorful oils and is heavily influenced by the art of my youth. I find inspiration in painters like Munch, Modigliani, Banksy, and Basquiat. I’m now working on exhibitions for New York and museums and galleries throughout Europe.

How were you inspired to create Bollis?

I’ve been fascinated by eyes for a very long time. Everything aesthetic, you experience through the eyes. They can enlarge or shrink to the size of a pinhead. They appear to be soaking up every last element of the environment while they are dilated.

Similar to black holes, they exert an unavoidable gravitational pull on everything in their orbit. Additionally, the usage of black brings out the vibrancy of the other colors. I like to utilize vivid colors in my artwork, and I believe the wide-eyed Bollis will bring out the other details and colors.

When did you first start painting?

I first painted when I was a young child. I had a strong interest in all things artistic. My dad was quite supportive of the artwork I did on the walls of my family’s home, but my mother wasn’t sure that my early graffiti qualified as art.

Your fans know that your current art is inspired by a major turning point in your life. Can you explain a bit more about it?

Backpacking through some of the most impoverished nations in Central America, Africa, and Asia marked a significant turning point in my life and artistic career. It fundamentally altered my perspective on the world.

That’s when I got to know many incredible people from all backgrounds who were so kind and willing to give what little they had that they gave me a new perspective on the world. I believe that having fresh perspectives on life and meeting individuals outside of your usual circle of acquaintances helps you produce interesting works of art.

What are your plans in terms of your personal and professional life?

I want to make art that everyone can appreciate, not just those who are typically thought of as specialists or aficionados in the industry. The people I met around the world helped shape who I am now, and I owe my artistic career to them. I believe in giving back, and I want to use my life and my art to make other people happy.

Even during the busiest times of my shows, I make an effort to make time for individuals who wish to speak with me, form a personal connection with me, or offer counsel to other artists. Giving back and putting other people before ourselves is a fulfilling experience

What are some of the challenges that come with your line of work?

I guess that a lot of people think that an artist only paints, omitting all the other tasks necessary to try to sell a product.

Organizing shows, dealing with customs, contacting galleries and collectors, submitting tax returns, answering inquiries from the public, marketing, obtaining paint, running out of paint… To make sure there is still time for what’s most crucial, coming up with ideas and making them a reality, all of these require a lot of planning and organization.

But pursuing your dreams will pay off, even if it first involves working another job to support your artistic endeavors. I firmly believe in pursuing your passions. Particularly in the recent and present context of the epidemic, it is undeniably simpler said than done for the emerging artists.

What message would you like to give to the budding artists who want to make it big as you did?

The road to success is difficult and requires a lot of time and effort; nobody becomes successful overnight. Finding your actual calling and committing to it, though, will make it simpler because the job will then cease to feel like work.

There will be times along the way when you doubt yourself, so you must have faith in yourself, your concept, and what you can accomplish. Avoid attempting to pass for someone you are not, and don’t be scared to be unique.

It takes time to find your style. I constantly advise artists to consider what they appreciate that hasn’t been done before and turn it into a brand they can call their own to achieve this. Your work can only become a labor of love if you do it that way.

Can you tell us a bit more about your upcoming exhibitions?

I have my upcoming art exhibitions in NYC, Nice, Paris, and Madrid and will feature Bollis, which have previously been on display in NYC, London, and Milan. In preparation for the ExpoArte 2022 show, I will soon relocate to Venice, Italy. I also have a display at the Van Der Plan New York gallery this summer. On October 30, 2022, in New York, and on October 31, 2022, in Edinburg, the solo art show will be held.

Find out more about Bolli Blas and her artwork via her website or on Instagram @bolliblas

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Tags: Art, Bolli Blas, Bollis

About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.