Jacek Sroka is a completely unconventional artist. On the one hand, his work can be placed within the then-popular New Figuration movement of the 1980s, characterized by the "wildness" of his color palette and forms. On the other, he is an artist who can be considered one of the contemporary artists who have thrived in the new, post-Cold War reality. Sroka's paintings have survived the political changes and continue to surprise and shock viewers. The popularity of his works can be traced to the unique, ironic style that Sroka developed in the early 1980s, a style primarily influenced by his experiences under martial law and his participation in the Independent Culture Movement. Artists working in this aesthetic were known as the new savages, although as the artist himself noted: "I don't have wildness in my heart (rather nonchalance), and I think that shows in my works. I want them to be well-thought-out, or at least conceived. I used the expressive staffage of painting when I needed it, as well as the mannerisms of 'imagery,' derived from primitive, folk woodcuts, photographs, or documentary prints." (Interview between Ida Smakosz and Jacek Sroka, conducted on January 12, 2007, available on the artist's website at: https://www.sroka.pl/?pl_rozmowa-z-jackiem-sroka,48). Jacek Sroka creates arguably some of the most interesting painterly descriptions of reality among contemporary artists in Poland. He tackles all topics, from everyday trivialities like boiling water for tea or taking medication, to the most weighty and electrifying topics in society, such as the parliamentary elections or those related to the religiosity of Poles. The artist readily tackles various taboos, poses direct questions, and challenges the viewer. He also skillfully utilizes comedy and the grotesque, although beneath the clown's guise lies a highly skilled and direct commentator on reality. Sroka simply sees more and is able to translate what he sees directly onto the canvas. It's surprising that, despite his "wild aesthetic," he so easily manages to mediate communication with the viewer. His works are not trivial in their reception; they require reflection and a knowledge of cultural codes. Interestingly, when we stand before Sroka's paintings, we immediately know what the artist wanted to say, although sometimes we are unable to grasp the full message. And although we sometimes encounter multi-layered codes, Sroka still manages to speak to the viewer in a very direct way. This is a demanding painting, and one intended for the demanding.