Nikola “NIXA” Martyna Legierska is a contemporary fine artist whose practice reflects on the intersection of mythology, psychology, and digital culture. Legierska’s work is characterised by its exploration of dark and provocative themes, with a particular focus on online subcultures. Through her unique blending of the familiar with the fantastical, she interrogates societal fears and anxieties, bringing to the forefront issues surrounding toxic masculinity and social isolation. Her recent work examines the disturbing world of incel culture, reimagining it through the lens of monstrosity to challenge viewers to confront the complexities of identity and belonging in the digital age.

Drawing from real-life subject studies and interactions taken from social media, she blends the bizarre with the familiar, transforming human features into demonic and otherworldly forms. The incel monsters are manifestations of societal fears surrounding male sexual entitlement, forcing us to confront uncomfortable truths about our world. Her portrayal of incels as monsters is not merely a condemnation of their ideologies and behaviours but also an invitation to reflect on the societal fears that these figures embody. These monsters, emerging from the murky depths of the internet, symbolise the tension between victimhood and aggression, challenging binary notions of good and evil. By incorporating influences from fairy tales, graphic novels, and popular culture, Legierska aims to create a body of work that is both accessible and deeply engaging.