Photojournalism nominee

Even shortly before the pandemic, winter swimming became the national „sport” of Poles. What’s more, the (previously rather niche) status of the walrus has become a matter of good taste, especially among the so-called middle class. This was evident, for example, on social media, which was flooded with selfies of people standing in cold water. The pandemic period brought the belief that this activity could defeat the virus, which—especially when fitness clubs, sports fields, etc., were closed—caused crowds on the shores of many bodies of water, regardless of the time of day or even night. Many clubs for winter swimming have sprung up or expanded, a veritable „winter swimming industry” has emerged, and national „cold water gurus” and „walrus-friendly” hotels have emerged.
I’ve been winter swimming for several years now, most often in Czerniakowskie Lake in Warsaw’s Sadyba district. This place is remarkable, among other things, for the massive chimneys that create the skyline.

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).