Born in 1956 in Gorzów Wielkopolski, Poland, Zenon Karolczuk initially studied chemistry at the Chemical High School from 1971 to 1975. He later pursued painting and decorative arts at the Higher School of Fine Arts, graduating with distinction in 1980.

In 1981, he emigrated to Germany, where he lived until 1986. During this period, his artistic work gained critical recognition, with many of his pieces covered in the press of Lower Saxony. In the late 1980s, Zenon relocated permanently to Australia, where he became actively involved in the Polish cultural community, including the establishment of the first Festival of Polish Culture “Dożynki” in its artistic section.

Over the past four decades in Australia, Karolczuk has dedicated himself to painting and exhibiting his work. He is a recognised and frequently distinguished member of the Royal South Australian Society of Arts and the Australian-Polish Arts Society of South Australia. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to creative exploration, cultural exchange, and artistic excellence.