Mariusz Waras: The Pochoir Vision of Urban Landscapes
Mariusz Waras, known professionally as m-city, is a Polish artist born in Gdansk in 1978 who has rapidly established himself as a prominent figure in contemporary stencil art. His distinctive approach combines meticulous craftsmanship with imaginative conceptualization—a fusion that results in breathtaking murals and striking graphic prints exploring the intersection of industrial decay and surreal beauty. Waras’s artistic journey began with formal training at Gdansk Academy of Fine Arts, where he honed his skills in graphic art, equipping him with a foundational understanding of visual communication and design principles.
Early Influences: Waras cites influences ranging from Bauhaus aesthetics to the pioneering works of Surrealist artists like René Magritte and Giorgio Morandi. These inspirations underscore his preoccupation with exploring paradoxical juxtapositions and challenging conventional perceptions—a core element that defines his artistic vision. He seeks to disrupt established norms, prompting viewers to question accepted realities and embrace unexpected perspectives.
The Pochoir Technique: At the heart of m-city’s artistic practice lies the pochoir printing process—a technique dating back to the late 19th century that involves transferring images onto paper through stencils. This painstaking method demands precision, patience, and a deep appreciation for textural detail; it's more than just printing – it’s an art form in itself. The result is prints imbued with an unparalleled sense of depth and atmosphere—a testament to the artist’s dedication to mastering traditional methods while simultaneously injecting them with innovative ideas.
His artistic breakthrough arrived with his exploration of large-scale stencil art, where he utilizes pochoirs to craft imagined cityscapes—visions that transcend mere representation, delving into psychological landscapes populated by geometric forms and evocative textures. From Warsaw’s gritty industrial zones to Berlin's vibrant street corners and the bustling boulevards of Paris, Waras has adorned urban spaces with monumental murals that provoke contemplation and invite viewers to consider alternative perspectives on modern life. Collaborations with fellow artists have broadened his creative horizons and fostered a dialogue about artistic expression within public realms—a collaborative spirit that fuels experimentation and expands the scope of his artistic endeavors.
Notable Murals: Among his most celebrated projects are ‘untitled’ in Gdansk, showcasing a masterful blend of industrial imagery and surreal abstraction; ‘untitled,’ a bold graphic exploration combining cubism and Art Deco influences; and ‘untitled,’ a vibrant mural depicting stylized marine life against textured concrete. Each piece exemplifies Waras's commitment to pushing artistic boundaries—a refusal to settle for conventional aesthetics and an unwavering pursuit of visual innovation. His murals stand as powerful statements about the relationship between humanity and environment, prompting viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and embrace unsettling beauty.
Recognition & Exhibitions: His vision of the modern world gained international acclaim during an exclusive showcase in Danysz Shanghai in 2018, solidifying his reputation as a visionary artist shaping the landscape of contemporary art—a moment that underscored his dedication to sharing his artistic perspective with a global audience. Furthermore, he participated in “IT IS FRAMED” group show in Paris and showcased his work at the Arsenal Poznań gallery in 2005. His exhibitions demonstrate an ongoing commitment to engaging with audiences and presenting his artwork within diverse cultural contexts.
M-City’s evolving art work includes murals joining together pictures of industrial machinery with motifs from historical paintings, such as **Last Movie**, created in cooperation with Gionato Gesim aka Ozmo from Milan, exhibited in 2010 in Gdańsk. It integrates Ozmo’s reinterpretation of Michaelangelo's **Last Judgement**, and Waras’ image of a deconstructed machine creating a scene in which the heavenly judge is replaced by a machine-like figure reminiscent of a giant watch mechanism—a conceptual juxtaposition that speaks to anxieties about technological advancement and its impact on human experience.
He graduated from the Department of Graphic Art at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk, where he is currently assistant lecturer in Prof. Jerzy Ostrogórski's painting studio. He continues to refine his craft and expand his artistic explorations—a testament to lifelong learning and a dedication to fostering creativity within future generations of artists.
