Jan Kaláb
"Making art is like trying to conquer unknown territory. A space that doesn’t exist until you discover it."
Jan Kaláb, also known by his aliases 'Cakes' and 'Point', emerged from the former Eastern Bloc to become a leading figure in urban art. In the 1990s, he co-founded the iconic crew 'DSK,' which played a crucial role in introducing graffiti to the Czech Republic and beyond. His influence continues to grow, effectively bridging the gap between established and emerging art forms and integrating street art, graffiti, and gallery art.
Kaláb's aliases signify distinct phases in his artistic journey, highlighting the interplay between the spontaneity of graffiti and controlled geometric forms. His artistic method, therefore, serves as a record of his ongoing exploration of various mediums, movements, and variations.
His diverse practice is rooted in vibrant colors, multiple layers, and abstract formations, drawing inspiration from a range of artistic genres to produce highly decorative and illusionistic compositions. Experimentation is a cornerstone of his work, as he consistently invents new forms and pushes artistic boundaries while always honoring his past in graffiti art.
Kaláb's solo exhibitions include: "The Soul of Graffiti" at the Albin Polasek Museum, Winter Park, USA; "Point of Space" at Trafo gallery, Prague, CZ; "Perspective of Clouds" at Mirus Gallery, San Francisco, USA; "Pluriforme" at Openspace Gallery, Paris, FR; and "Awakening" at The House of Fine Art, London, UK.
