Interview: Jarek Grulkowski
Luca Curci talks with Jarek Grulkowski during CANVAS VENICE INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR 2026 at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello in Venice.

Born in 1983 in Olesno. In 2019 made a PhD in the field of visual arts, in the discipline of fine arts. From 2004 to 2009 studied printmaking at the Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Fine Arts in Wrocław. Diploma in the studio of copperplate techniques run by Prof. Andrzej Basaj, and the studio of professional drawing run by Prof. Eugeniusz Get-Stankiewicz. Participant in numerous exhibitions of painting, drawing and printmaking in Poland and abroad.

Received many prizes and grants, e.g. Grand Prix at the 6th Triennial of Contemporary Drawing in Lubaczów; Grand Prix at the Polish Drawing Triennal 2008, Grand Prix at the International Biennial of Miniature Art 2010, Distinction at The Best Diplomas of Polish Academies of Fine Arts 2009 in Gdańsk; 2nd Prize at the Walter Koschatzky Art Award 2013 in Vienna; Prize awarded by President of Pilźnienski Region at the 8th International Drawing Biennial in Pilsen; Tadeusz Kulisiewicz Grant in 2009, Grant from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage in 2009 and 2007; Special Price at the Internattional Biennal of Miniature Art Gornji Milanovac, Serbia 2022.

Since 2009 has worked in his Alma Mater, in the painting and drawing studio no 207 run by Prof. Wojciech Lupa.

“Owing to the richness of forms and inner structures and the purposefulness of complex processes, nature has been for me an inexhaustible source of inspiration. It is a reference point for tuning my artistic explorations, a kind of natural tuning fork”

Luca Curci – What is art for you?
Jarek Grulkowski – The still unmet need to create a world built on the dynamic order of the interaction of forms, the rhythm of modules, and the harmony of tones, colors, values, and meanings

LC – What’s your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?
JG – From early childhood, I filled my free time with drawing and creating a world of imagination. My studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Wrocław and Kraków, in the department of graphic arts, opened the door to a professional artistic path.

LC – What is the trigger that leads you to paint?
JG – the scent of spring moss, a fire in a January fireplace, the taste of carp in almonds and honeyed beer on a winter evening, my daughter’s light lock of hair in the rays of the summer sun, my son’s warm cheek snuggling up on an autumn walk, the word of God piercing the heart, an Arvo Part composition listened to after a hard day, the poem “The Message of Mr. Cogito” by Zbigniew Herbert flying through the clouds as the sun illuminates the sky, the salty taste in your mouth after a swim in the sea and so much more…

If only I could keep up…

LC – Is there an unrealised or unrealisable project, even a crazy one, that you would like to work on?
JG – A beautiful, moving exhibition where one can immerse oneself in a space of harmony and order.

LC – What is your idea about ITSLIQUID GROUP?
JG – ITSLIQUID GROUP is a warm and friendly meeting with art and creative enthusiasts. I hope this won’t be our last.