Artist Profile Karol Polak

Artist Statement

In my work I focus on the search for painterly pixel values and the transformation of the impressions characteristic of the screen into a material object in the form of a print on paper. My artistic practice is situated within the realm of post digital art, where I strive to bring a more human quality to the digital landscape. To make my prints, I use a mix of digital manipulation and ink dissolving substances. This process adds an element of unpredictability and imperfection that is distinctly human. Inspired by comics and the language of digital culture, including old computer games, pixel art, and the lo-fi aesthetic, I have crafted compositions that evoke the nostalgia and aesthetics of the digital realm. The series envisions a future where the synergy between digital and physical art forms continues to evolve.

Artist Biography

Karol Polak (b. 1998) is a visual artist and designer from Gdańsk, Poland.

I create post-digital graphics, lithograps, paintings, and drawings. My work is fueled by a deep fascination with comics, digital culture, and the intricate complexities of the human inner world. Recently I created an illustration for the New York Times and won the MAMŰ Society Award at the 8th Graphic Art Biennial of Szeklerland (2024).