I am Karol Bak, born on 30 May 1961 in Koło in the Wielkopolska Region of Poland. I graduated from the Fine Arts High School of Poznań with a degree in Interior Exhibition Arrangement. In 1984, I was admitted to the Graphics Department of the State College of Art, now the University of Arts in Poznań.
I knew what direction I wanted – painting, graphics and sculpture were the pursuit of pure art. I graduated in 1989 with distinction, with two degrees in Graphics under Prof. Tadeusz Jackowski and Drawing under Prof. Jarosław Kozłowski.
My final examination showed my range. In my graphics, using copperplate engraving, I expressed perceptions of timeless content. In my drawings, I searched for answers to pressing questions. One drawing, measuring 2 x 8 meters, showed life-size members of the communist riot police in combat formation. There was also a 3 x 3 meter self-portrait based on the golden ratio.
“I attempted to express my perceptions of timeless content and values.”
Karol Bak
Jackowski gave me love for graphics and illusion. Kozłowski instilled the drive to create free art, interpreted individually. I also perfected my painting technique under Andrzej Maciej Łubowski and Prof. Andrzej Kurzawski. My art combines surrealism, magical realism, and classical technique. I work in oil on canvas, creating dreamlike scenes with technical precision.
What style of art does Karol Bak create?
He works in oil on canvas, blending surrealism, magical realism, and classical painting techniques. His art features dreamlike, ethereal scenes with meticulous detail.
What was Karol Bak’s final examination about?
He displayed graphics using copperplate engraving expressing timeless content, plus large drawings including a 2 x 8 meter work showing communist riot police and a 3 x 3 meter self-portrait based on Leonardo da Vinci’s golden ratio.
Who influenced Karol Bak as an artist?
Prof. Tadeusz Jackowski influenced his love for graphics and illusion. Prof. Jarosław Kozłowski instilled his drive for free, unrestrained art. He also learned painting techniques under Andrzej Maciej Łubowski and Prof. Andrzej Kurzawski.
One of his final examination drawings measured 2 x 8 meters and showed life-size communist riot police in combat formation, contrasted with a barricade of randomly arranged chairs.
