About Radek Karkulowski
Radek Karkulowski is an artist and educator based in Lahti, Finland. He also works under the artistic name Karku.
He works across visual communication, illustration and typography. His ongoing body of work, Tomorrow May Never Come, explores time, presence and the uncertainty of what comes next through reduced images of the human figure. Developed gradually through drawing, repetition and reduction, the work uses gesture, proximity and distance to hold moments that feel both ordinary and fragile.
Originally from Poland, Karkulowski holds a Master of Arts in Illustration from the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw and a Bachelor of Culture and Arts in Graphic Design from the Institute of Design at Lahti University of Applied Sciences. He has also completed pedagogical teacher education in Finland.
His professional background includes commissioned work in publishing, advertising and film production in Finland and Poland, with substantial experience in storyboarding. Selected collaborations include Otava, TBWA Helsinki, McCann Warsaw and Young & Rubicam Warsaw.
As an educator, he has over 15 years of experience in visual arts and design education, including teaching, course and programme development. At Vapaa akatemia, his roles have included Lead Teacher for Illustration and Graphic Design, as well as Head of Education and Programme Lead for Visual Arts. For more on his teaching and educational collaborations, see Education.
Selected background
Selected for international exhibitions, biennials and triennials
Nomination at the Angoulême International Comics Festival
Winner of the Kemi Arctic Comics Competition
Recipient of cultural and working grants