Open Theme nominee

Shortly before the outbreak of the pandemic, people across Europe embraced winter swimming as their favorite pursuit. In fact, I would go even further. Previously a niche activity, winter swimming became the ‘it’ thing to do among the European middle class. This was evident, for example, in social media, once flooded with selfies of people standing in cold water. The pandemic brought about the belief that winter swimming might contribute to fighting the virus, especially at a time when fitness clubs, sports fields and other venues were closed. As a result, the banks of various water bodies were teeming with people both during the day and at night. A number of winter swimming clubs were set up or expanded their activity, and the entire ‘winter swimming industry’ sprang up, along with national ‘cold water gurus’ and ‘winter swimming-friendly’ hotels.

I’ve been practicing winter swimming for several years now, usually in Lake Czerniakowskie in Warsaw’s Sadyba district. The place is quite extraordinary, not least because of the massive chimneys forming the skyline. Photograph presents unique feature of this place. What I mean is the swan which had been accompanying winter swimmers for years, regardless of the time of day or night.

Radek’s photography has a universal quality, with a distinct focus on people, understood in an exceptionally broad sense. His open-minded approach allows him to blend various forms within this artistic field, for example, by creating narrative portraits or nudes in different worlds and dimensions. Occasionally, he delves into landscapes and saute architecture. He tells stories, describes emotions and sometimes is solely interested in form.

His lens captures a diverse array of subjects, including movie stars, models, and public figures, as well as ordinary individuals who often become… extraordinary. He photographs in modern spaces, as well as in the ruins of castles or abandoned factories. He loves to juxtapose opposites, which is wonderfully reflected in his series Desolate Beauty.

Radek's works have been awarded, published and exhibited in Poland and abroad. They can also be found in institutional and private collections. He collaborates with international modeling agencies in fashion photography. His photographs are exhibited in domestic and foreign galleries and are part of numerous auctions. They are officially listed on the Polish and European markets (Art Info, ArtPrice).