Jacek Gawłowski is a Polish graphic artist, illustrator, and designer, regarded as one of the most important figures in contemporary Polish book illustration. His body of work encompasses literary illustration, authorial drawing, applied graphics, and press illustration. From the outset of his artistic career, he has focused on creating clear, synthetic imagery that conveys complex intellectual content through an economy of form.
He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, specializing in graphic design and illustration. His academic education shaped his understanding of illustration as a tool for analysis and interpretation of reality—both literary and social. Even in his early works, a strong interest was evident in visual reduction, graphic sign, and the relationship between image and text.
The central field of Jacek Gawłowski’s artistic activity is book illustration, particularly in the area of children’s and young adult literature. His illustrations are characterized by:
a clear, synthetic line,
conscious deformation of figures,
a consistently developed narrative style,
humor based on paradox and intelligent observation.
Gawłowski avoids literalness—his images often function as commentary, supplement, or ironic counterpoint to the literary text. As a result, his illustrations are multi-layered and accessible to diverse audiences.
Of particular importance in his career is his long-standing collaboration with Maciej Wojtyszko, author of the cult Bromba book series. Gawłowski’s illustrations became an inseparable part of the series’ identity, co-creating its philosophical and humorous tone.
Bromba and Others – Maciej Wojtyszko
Bromba and Politics – Maciej Wojtyszko
Bromba and Psychology – Maciej Wojtyszko
Bromba and Philosophy – Maciej Wojtyszko
Bromba and Mathematics – Maciej Wojtyszko
The Bromba series holds a special place in the history of Polish children’s literature, representing a rare fusion of literary reflection, humor, and modern illustration. Gawłowski’s style—based on simplicity and precision—perfectly captures the intellectual character of these books.
Alongside his publishing work, Jacek Gawłowski is active in press illustration, satirical drawing, and graphic design. His works have been published in magazines, educational materials, and popular science publications. In this field, he frequently addresses social, philosophical, and cultural themes, employing visual shorthand, symbolism, and irony.
His press illustrations are distinguished by clarity of message and an ability to condense complex issues into a single, expressive image.
Works by Jacek Gawłowski have been presented at illustration and graphic art exhibitions in Poland and abroad. Original drawings, illustration boards, and graphic works circulate on the collectors’ market, appearing in gallery and auction house offerings. Illustrations connected with the Bromba series are of particular interest to collectors.
The work of Jacek Gawłowski constitutes an important chapter in the history of contemporary Polish illustration. He has developed an instantly recognizable style based on formal simplicity, precision of graphic sign, and intellectual distance. His illustrations function both as integral elements of literary narratives and as autonomous graphic works, valued for their timelessness and clarity of communication.
Gawłowski’s oeuvre occupies a significant place in contemporary Polish illustration. His works combine simplicity of form with intellectual depth, and the distinctive style he has developed makes them immediately recognizable. His illustrations serve both as tools of literary narration and as independent graphic artworks.
