Karol Bak
Poland, 1961
Artist's works
Artist Profile
The Call of The Oblivion
Lachesis
The Mistress of Chaos
Melancholy
Condemned to Limbo
Want
The Azure Fire
Hideout
Introduction and Experience
Karol Bak (b. 1961, Koło, Poland) is a distinguished Polish painter, draftsman, and graphic artist celebrated for his dreamlike, surreal compositions that explore the ethereal and mysterious beauty of the female figure. He studied at the State College of Fine Arts in Poznań (now the University of Arts in Poznań), graduating with distinction in 1989 with dual diplomas in Graphics and Drawing.
Initially establishing his practice in drawing and copperplate engraving, Bak turned to oil painting in the late 1990s, which has since become the quintessential medium of his artistic expression. His works often portray celestial women within metaphysical landscapes, seamlessly merging classical mastery with visionary imagination.
Bak has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions throughout Europe and internationally. His paintings are highly sought after by collectors worldwide, acclaimed for their refined technique, luminous palette, and poetic exploration of femininity, mythology, and the unseen dimensions of the human spirit.
Exhibitions and Awards
Selected Exhibitions
Solo Exhibition
2025
Little Sicily (Małej Sycylii) —Mała Sycylia, Warsaw, Poland
Art Settlement (Osada Sztuki) —The Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes, Darłowo, Poland
2019
Malarstwo —Warsaw, Poland
2010
Nocturnes —Gdańsk, Poland
2008
Romni —Gdańsk, Poland
Group Exhibition
2026
Their Worlds (ICH ŚWIATY) —Bałtycka Galeria Sztuki, Koszalin, Poland
2025
Real & Unreal —Galeria Miejska, Wrocław, Poland
Magical Dreams VIII —Bator Art Gallery, Szczyrk, Poland
PrezentART 2025—V.A. Gallery Poland, Poznań, Poland
New Polish Art —Praha, Prague, Czech Republic
Art Capital—Grand Palais, Paris, France
2024
Sabre and Brush (Szablą i Pędzlem) —Hotel Polski Pod Białym Orłem, Kraków, Poland
2023
In the Circle of Symbolism (W Kręgu Symbolizmu) —Malczewski Palace, Warsaw, Poland
2016
Fantastic Art. Surrealism and Magical Realism (Sztuka Fantastyczna. Surrealizm i Realizm Magiczny) —DESA Unicum, Warsaw, Poland
2013
Magical Dreams II —Szczyrk, Poland
2012
ARTEUOMO—Rome, Italy
2011
Magical Dreams —Włocławek, Poland
Magical Dreams —Turin, Italy
Post-plein-air exhibition—Gdańsk, Poland
2010
The colors of Poland in Rome —Rome, Italy
Dreamscape —Amsterdam, the Netherlands
2009
The Charm of Women. The Allure of Flowers —Sopot, Poland
2008
Polish Surrealists —Warsaw, Poland
2007
Beeldkracht Gallery—Scheme, the Netherlands Winter In Go —GO GALLERY, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Art Fairs
2012 – 2013
Art Revolution Taipei (A.R.T.)—Taipei, Taiwan
2009
Primavera—Rotterdam, Netherlands
Open Art Fair—Utrecht, Netherlands
2008
ART.EXPO—New York, USA
Art Show—Las Vegas, USA
Primavera—Rotterdam, Netherlands
Open Art Fair—Amsterdam, Netherlands
2007
The International Arts Fair (ITAF)—Amsterdam, Netherlands
Awards
1990
The best graphic art and drawing of the year (XXI Post-competition exhibition)—Poznań, Poland
1989
Award for Graphics (Diploma '89)—Toruń, Poland
Collections
Private Collections
Works are held in private collections in Taiwan and Europe.