Book Report: Flowerhead by Olaf Hajek

By Heather Summerville
September 8, 2010

The work of Berlin-based illustrator Olaf Hajek has been described as “dream-like,” “naïve,” “playful,” and “magical.” But it isn’t until you flip through his first, recently released monograph Flowerhead that you realize his mesmerizing creations are really all of those things—and more. Hajek regularly contributes to The New Yorker, GQ, Rolling Stone and dozens of other publications. This book is a compilation of selected pieces from those works combined with never-before-seen personal art. We recently caught up with the internationally renowned illustrator at his home in Berlin to talk about his new book, his penchant for collectibles and the one project he would love to score: a gig designing a window for Barneys.

The Inside Source: Congratulations! Flowerhead is such a beautiful book. How did the idea come about?

Olaf Hajek: The Gestalten Publishers actually called me and asked if I would be interested in having a monograph about my work. I didn’t have to think twice.

TIS: Where did the title come from?

OH: Why Flowerhead? I created the name because I create a lot of hats where the flowers grow into the hair, or beards become flowers, so I call them “Naturemen” and “Flowerheads.” I like the idea that there is something natural and human coming together.

TIS: Your work has been described as so many things by outside observers. How would you describe the aesthetic?

OH: Well, I love the idea of combining surreal elements with realistic forms to create my own idea of beauty. Natural elements and forms like flowers, birds or insects are big symbols and could evoke very opposite feelings. The unique beauty of nature is amazing, but not perfect. This idea I try to let flow into my work.

TIS: Can you tell me a little about your process? How do you usually get started on a new project?

OH: It always depends on the project I’m working on. If I do a commercial illustration for an assignment, I will have a talk with the art director, come up with a sketch and then start with the final painting after approval. It always depends on how much freedom I have in my work.

TIS: What mediums do you work in?

OH: I always use acrylic paint on different materials like paper, cardboard or wood. Sometimes I mix it up with paper collage elements. I like the different textures of materials. If I don’t work on wood, I try to give the surface the feeling of wood or texture.

TIS: What’s up next for you?

OH: I am working right now on a very interesting project for a big Brazilian TV channel. I am doing the chapter illustration for a series about Sigmund Freud’s question: "What women really want?" The work will be animated and is a very new experience for me. I am also trying to work on my next show for a gallery in Cape Town.

TIS: We read that you’d love to design a store window at Barneys. If you were given free reign, what would you create?

OH: I always admire the window displays of the big department stores in New York—so artistic, sophisticated and beautiful. Of course that would be a dream job! Maybe I would create a kind of picnic in a surreal landscape, with sophisticated figures surrounded by flowers and birds…

TIS: We’ve heard so many young illustrators reference your work as inspiration. Who are some of the people that have inspired you?

OH: I am very influenced by folk art, art brut, African or South American art and Indian miniatures. One of my favorite sources of inspiration is the American Folk Art Museum in New York. Whenever I am there, I try to visit. Afterward, I could run home immediately and start painting. I love Henry Darger’s work. And in Berlin, I live in the middle of the gallery center and love work by TAL R, which is shown at CFA Gallery.

We asked Hajek to pick a few of his favorite things on eBay right now. What we got was one of the most interestingly diverse roundups we’ve seen in awhile.

** Images provided by Olaf Hajek. **

Here, the eight items that made the cut: from primitive sculptures to Scandinavian fashions:

Roll over items for details

Vintage Original Eames Plywood Chair

“I love Charles Eames. I am collecting some of his chairs. This one is still on my list!”

(buy it now price, $500)

Baule Shrine Sculpture Man and Beast

“I love and collect African sculptures, but only the rough ones—they are the most powerful pieces of art. This is a beautiful example.”

(buy it now price, $390)

African-American Folk Art Doll

"I am very interested in Afro-American art and its relation with folk art. I am trying to find rare folk art toys and dolls.”

(winning bid, $140.50)

NEW Scandinavian Ceramics and Glass by Barrett Gould

“I collect Scandinavian ceramics. Here’s a great book for collectors.”

(buy it now price, $70.35)

Flowerhead by Olaf Hajek

“My own book has made it on eBay!”

(buy it now price, $58.18)

NEW Original Dutch Transport Bicycle

“I just spent a month in Amsterdam and was so inspired by these amazing vintage Transport bikes. I have an old Gazelle myself in Berlin, but now would love to have a Transport, too!”

(buy it now price, $990)

Henry Darger by Klaus Biesenbach

“One of the newest and best publications about Henry Darger from Klaus Biesenbach. This amazing book shows the whole universe of this unique artist and is a big source of inspiration for me.”

(buy it now price, $51.98)