Find Academic Supervisors

Ryszard Lenczewski is a distinguished Professor of Film Art at The Leon Schiller National Higher School of Film, Television and Theatre in Łódź, where he has served as a lecturer at the Cinematography Department since his graduation in 1974. He held the position of Vice-Dean from 2008 to 2014 and has been instrumental in shaping generations of Polish cinematographers. As a member of prestigious film organizations including the Society of Cinematographers (PSC), the European Film Academy (EFA), the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), and the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), Lenczewski has established himself as a significant figure in international cinema. Lenczewski's research and creative interests span cinematography, film art, documentary filmmaking, visual storytelling, and camera techniques. His extensive filmography demonstrates mastery across feature films, documentaries, and television productions, with notable works including the Oscar-winning film "Ida" (2013) where he served as cinematographer. His approach combines technical precision with profound artistic expression, emphasizing visual narrative and emotional depth through innovative camera work and lighting techniques. Throughout his career, Lenczewski has supervised numerous student films, guiding emerging talent in cinematography techniques and visual storytelling. His pedagogical approach emphasizes hands-on experience and creative experimentation, reflected in the diverse range of student projects he has mentored from 2013 through 2025. 2013 Decoration Silver Medal for Merit to Culture - Gloria Artis 2015 Golden Camera 300 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Manaki Brothers Film Festival 2018 Gold Medal "Gloria Artis - For Merit to Culture" 2019 "Golden Glan" award from Charlie cinema in Łódź 2020 Society of Cinematographers (PSC) Lifetime Achievement Award 2022 Polish Filmmakers Association Award 2024 Silver Cross of Merit Lenczewski's creative output reveals a consistent exploration of visual narrative techniques, with recent student projects focusing on experimental cinematography, sensory film experiences, and innovative approaches to time, space, and emotion in visual storytelling. His work demonstrates mastery across documentary, feature film, and educational contexts, establishing him as a versatile and influential figure in contemporary cinematography.

• Cinematography
• Film Art
• Documentary Filmmaking
• +3 more

Karolina Grzeszczuk is a Polish academic and artist working at the University of the Arts Poznan (UAP) as an assistant in the Theatrical Costume Workshop under the Faculty of Interior Design and Scenography. She specializes in responsible design , natural fiber application , and land art while balancing professional work with motherhood since 2017. Initiator and Chief Curator of Poznan Textile Art Biennial Member of Jak Malowana Foundation Council Teaches in UAP's Study in English program Research Interests : Her artistic research focuses on sustainable design practices, including biodegradable textiles , eco-friendly dyeing , and environmental land art . She explores material perception in virtual vs. physical worlds and integrates traditional Polish folk elements with contemporary performance needs. Scientific Awards : 3rd Place, II Land Art Festival 'Naturalia' (2023) 1st Place, I Land Art Festival 'Naturalia' (2019) Artistic Achievements : Professional collaborations include designing costumes for international ballet companies (Polish Royal Ballet, Centre du Ballet Italy), short films, and land art installations. Her works have been presented in Poland, UK, and Italy across 34 performances in 2022 alone.

• Costume Design
• Set Design
• Responsible Design
• +5 more

Maciej Pawliński is a Lecturer in the Department of Editing at the Faculty of Film and Television Directing at the National Film School in Lodz. Born on August 14, 1978 in Warsaw, he graduated from the Higher School of Television Production at the National Film School in Lodz in 2005 (diploma 2010) and earned his PhD in the field of Art, specializing in Film and Theatre Arts, from the same institution in 2023. He is also an active film editor and a member of both the Polish Film Academy and the European Film Academy (EFA). Pawliński's research and professional interests center on film editing, cinematic storytelling, documentary filmmaking, narrative structure, visual language in film, and film production techniques. His academic work bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application, evident in his extensive filmography spanning feature films, documentary series, television productions, and student etudes where he provides pedagogical supervision. His approach emphasizes the psychological and emotional impact of editing choices on narrative construction. Analyzing his recent filmography (2023-2026), Pawliński demonstrates expertise across multiple genres including psychological drama, documentary-fictionalized hybrids, historical narratives, and contemporary social commentary. His work shows consistent excellence in visual storytelling, particularly in creating psychological tension, developing complex character relationships, and employing innovative editing techniques that enhance narrative impact. The recurring themes in his recent projects include human resilience, intergenerational dynamics, and the exploration of Polish identity through contemporary cinematic lenses. 2019: Orzeł (Polish Film Award) Nomination for Best Editing for OVER THE LIMIT 2014: Sopot Festival Award for Editing for SKUTKI UBOCZNE 2011: Orzeł Winner for Best Editing for ESSENTIAL KILLING 2011: Gdynia Film Festival Editing Award for ESSENTIAL KILLING 2006: Toruń Tofifest Honorary Distinction for Best Editing 2006: Koszalin Debut Film Festival Editing Award As an educator, Pawliński provides extensive pedagogical supervision for student etudes across the National Film School curriculum, guiding emerging filmmakers in editing and narrative construction. His professional practice directly informs his teaching methodology, creating a dynamic feedback loop between academic instruction and industry practice. Through his membership in both the Polish and European Film Academies, he contributes to broader discussions about cinematic art and craft at national and international levels. Pawliński's work environment at the National Film School in Lodz provides him with access to state-of-the-art editing facilities and collaboration opportunities with fellow faculty members across different film disciplines. His position allows him to bridge academic theory with professional practice, mentoring the next generation of Polish filmmakers while continuing to develop his own craft through active industry engagement.

• Film Editing
• Cinematic Storytelling
• Documentary Filmmaking
• +4 more

Martyna Kander is a Doctor and Lecturer at the Department of Stage Design at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. Since the 2018/19 academic year, she has taught Theatre Scenography Design courses. Professionally, she serves as a set designer in the artistic team of the National Theatre since the 2023/24 season. She graduated from the Faculty of New Media Art and Scenography at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw (2012), with additional studies at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Venice through the Socrates Erasmus program. She defended her doctoral thesis in July 2017. Dr. Kander's expertise spans stage design and costume creation across diverse theatrical genres. Her work demonstrates exceptional versatility across drama, opera, ballet, and puppet theatre. She has developed distinctive visual languages for classical works by Shakespeare, Calderon, and Moniuszko, as well as contemporary productions including the 2025 Polish premiere of Pablo Remón's 'Eclipse in Two Acts' at the National Theatre. Her professional collaborations include work with major Polish theatres: National Theatre in Warsaw, S. Jaracz Theatre in Łódź, Dramatic Theatre in Warsaw, L. Solski Theatre in Tarnów, J. Słowacki Theatre in Kraków, Municipal Theatre in Gdynia, Universal Theatre in Warsaw, The Doll in Warsaw, Harlequin in Łódź, Gulliver in Warsaw, Grand Theatre in Łódź, Grand Theatre in Poznań, State Musical Theatre in Klaipeid, Silesian Opera, Opera Nova, Opera at the Castle, Chamber Opera, Polish Royal Opera, and Musical Theatre in Gdynia. Jan Kiepura Award for Best Scenography (2017, 2019, 2020) A. Pronaszko Award (2016) J. Moskal Award (2016) Teresa Roszkowska Award (2017) Leon Schiller Award (2018) Scholarship from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage (three times) Dr. Kander began her academic career in 2014 as an assistant to Professor Dorota Kołodyńska in the Costume Design Studio. Her teaching encompasses the full spectrum of theatrical design, from initial concept development to final production realization. Her professional work includes collaborations with directors such as Grzegorz Małecki, Natalia Babińska, Robert Bondara, and Maciej Prus across numerous high-profile productions. Her design portfolio demonstrates mastery across diverse theatrical forms, with particular excellence in creating immersive visual environments that enhance narrative storytelling. Recent notable works include 'Eclipse in Two Acts' (National Theatre, June 2025), 'Alice in Wonderland' (Zych's production, 2022), 'Faust' (2020), and 'The Turn of the Screw' (Britten, multiple productions).

• Stage Design
• Theatre Costume Design
• Scenography
• +3 more

Dr. Katarzyna Stanny is a university professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, where she has run the Media Imaging Studio since 2009 and served as Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Media Art from 2016 to 2024. She previously worked as an assistant to Professor Rosław Szaybo in the Applied Photography Studio (2009-2014) and co-ran the Illustration Studio at the Academy of Humanities and Economics in Łódź with her father (2004-2014). Her research and creative interests span graphic design, photography, jewelry design, and costume design. She has implemented educational projects for prestigious institutions including the Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews, the Academy of Music in Warsaw, and the Society of the History of Polish Jews. Her work demonstrates strong connections between academic theory and practical application in visual arts. Professor Stanny has received numerous accolades including the Minister of Culture and National Heritage Award (2014) and multiple Rector's Awards from the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw (2015, 2019, 2023). She was also a scholarship recipient of the Andrzej Szczypiorski Creativity Support Fund in 2019 and 2020. As an advisor, she has guided students like Jakub Augustyniak, Natalia Ślepowrońska, and Weronika Krekora whose posters recently qualified for national competitions. She has collaborated with industry leaders including Swarovski Elements and Breakthru Films on the film 'Chłopi' (2023). Professor Stanny maintains active professional engagement as a member of the ZAiKS Board (2016-2022) and currently serves on the Audit Committee. She is associated with the THINKTANK Center for Dialogue and Analysis and has presented her work in thirty-two solo exhibitions and over one hundred group exhibitions internationally.

• Graphic Design
• Photography
• Media Arts
• +3 more

Dr. Ewa Maria Śmigielska is a contemporary sculptor and installation artist working at the Faculty of Design at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. Born in Warsaw in 1987, she completed her studies with distinction at the Faculty of Sculpture, specializing in Audiovisual Space Studio under Professor Grzegorz Kowalski. In 2019, she earned her PhD in visual arts and conservation of works of art from the same institution. Her artistic practice spans drawing, sculpture, video, installation, and scenography, with a focus on cross-cultural dialogues between Eastern and Western artistic traditions. Her research interests revolve around cultural and formal syncretism , often emerging from postcolonial critique. Śmigielska's work integrates elements referencing various cultures, temporal orders, and sensory experiences, juxtaposing emblems of Far Eastern culture with raw materials associated with contemporary urban aesthetics. Her installations create performative spaces that invite viewer participation, emotional engagement, and transformative experiences. She explores themes of spiritual transformation, urban identity, and the intersection of traditional symbolism with modern materials like mirrors, neon signs, and sheet metal. Śmigielska's recent artistic output demonstrates consistent exploration of sound installations and participatory art, with her 2024 exhibition 'Phoenix Mantra' representing the culmination of these interests. This sound installation, featuring music by Wojtek Blecharz, transforms space into a ritual journey toward spiritual renewal, connecting viewers with historical contexts of Warsaw's Wawelberg Colony. Her work shows a clear trajectory from earlier explorations of Chinese mythology in 'Follow the Dragon' (2021) toward more complex multisensory environments that bridge cultural divides. Scholarship from ZAiKS (Fundusz Popierania Twórczości Stowarzyszenia Autorów ZAiKS) As an educator and cultural ambassador, Śmigielska has served as a lecturer at the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute in China, fostering Polish-Chinese artistic understanding. She has curated numerous exhibitions both in Poland and internationally, demonstrating strong organizational skills and cross-cultural communication abilities. Her collaborative work with composer Wojtek Blecharz on projects like 'Transkryptum' and 'Phoenix Mantra' highlights her interdisciplinary approach and ability to secure artistic partnerships. Śmigielska actively participates in artistic collectives like Inne Towarzystwo in Warsaw, which provides alternative exhibition spaces for experimental work. Her current projects at the Open Colony in Wola demonstrate engagement with community-based art practices and historical memory, transforming urban spaces into sites of collective healing and cultural dialogue. Her work with the Polish Sculpture Center in Orońsko shows institutional collaboration that supports large-scale artistic production.

• Sculpture
• Sound Installation
• Performance Art
• +5 more

Dr. Ewa Mróz-Pacholczyk serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Arts in Poznań (UAP), where she is actively engaged in the Fashion Design Studio as Head of the Theatre Costume Workshop and subject leader for Clothing Design in the basic program. Her work bridges academic instruction and professional artistic practice, emphasizing interdisciplinary connections between fashion, scenography, and cultural studies. Education: Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design (2007) from the Academy of Fine Arts in Poznań (Faculty of Graphic Arts), supervised by Professor Sławomira Chorążyczewska Bachelor's degree in Set Design (2008) from the Faculty of Interior Architecture and Industrial Design Master's degree in Set Design (2010) from the Faculty of Interior Architecture and Industrial Design, supervised by Professor Bohdan Cieślak, with an annex in Textile Art Studio supervised by Professor Andrzej Banachowicz Doctoral degree (2018) with thesis "Combining Surfaces as a Factor Shaping the Form of Clothing" Research Focus: Her primary research explores clothing design as a convergence of artistic expression and functional necessity, with deep specialization in textile art innovation and scenographic costume systems. She investigates how regional dress traditions influence contemporary Polish fashion and examines natural/environmental determinants of clothing across Southeast Asia and Europe, often materializing these studies through her own avant-garde collections like "Harmonia Zmysłów" (2014), "Ozon," and "Geometrik" (2015). Honors: 2017: "Meritorious for Polish Culture" honorary badge awarded by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland Professional Contributions: She coordinates university events and exhibitions while leading the Theatre Costume Workshop. Her research projects include critical analyses of regional attire's impact on modern Polish costume design and natural conditions as clothing determinants, demonstrating sustained scholarly engagement with cultural anthropology and design theory. Current creative work centers on the ID Kropki project and textile art installations.

• Clothing Design
• Set Design
• Textile Art
• +3 more

Ewa Dąbek-Derda is an Associate Professor in the Institute of Culture Studies at the University of Silesia in Katowice, with a longstanding academic career rooted in the Faculty of Philology. She holds a Doctorate (2001) and Habilitation (2018), both from the University of Silesia, and is recognized for her expertise in theatre arts, particularly in theatrical scenography, performance space, and theatre education. Doctorate: 2001 – Tadeusz Słobodzianek's Undivine Stories. Dramaturgy in the Circle of Myth, Faculty of Philology, University of Silesia Habilitation: 2018 – Cube Enchanted in a Sphere, Faculty of Philology, University of Silesia Magisterium: 1988 – Theatre reviews by Tadeusz Breza, Faculty of Philology, University of Silesia Her research focuses on Polish theatrical scenography, the spatial and visual dimensions of performance, costume design, contemporary staging, and theatre education. She explores how space and design shape theatrical meaning, often analyzing specific directors and designers such as Jerzy Jarocki and Konrad Swinarski. Her work bridges theoretical analysis with cultural documentation, contributing to the understanding of theatre as an evolving art form. The recent publications of Ewa Dąbek-Derda reveal a strong thematic continuity in the study of scenography, with increasing depth in theoretical and philosophical inquiries into stage design. Her works span from detailed case studies to broader reflections on invisibility and essence in scenographic practice, indicating a mature and reflective research trajectory in theatre studies. The phenomenon of Marian Bogusz’s scenographic work (2021) In search of the essence of scenography (2020) Invisible stage designs (2017) She was a research team member in the national grant project Changing the Setting. Polish Theatrical and Social Scenography of the 20th and 21st Centuries , funded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and conducted at the Zbigniew Raszewski Theatre Institute in Warsaw (2017–2020). This project underscores her role in large-scale, collaborative humanities research. Ewa Dąbek-Derda is an active member of the Polish Institute of World Art Research and regularly contributes to public academic discourse through open lectures on theatre scenography, delivered at cultural institutions in Sosnowiec and Katowice. Her ORCID is 0000-0003-1121-4154, and she is accessible via email at ewa.dabek-derda@us.edu.pl.

• Theatre Arts
• Theatrical Scenography
• Performance Space
• +7 more

Professor Ewa Bloom-Kwiatkowska is a distinguished visual artist and academic affiliated with the Władysław Strzemiński Academy of Fine Arts in Łódź, where she has served as a lecturer since 2010. She also previously taught at the Łódź Film School (2012-2015) where she developed specialized programs in virtual scenography. As a representative of critical and performative art movements, she works across multiple disciplines including painting, set design, direction, and experimental video art. Her artistic practice centers on creating complex visual scenarios with transmedia potential that operate in both virtual and real spaces. She employs subversive strategies to confront traditional notions of art with socio-political pressures and personal autobiography. Her research interests span critical art theory, performative practices, multimedia scenography, and the intersection of visual culture with political discourse. Professor Bloom-Kwiatkowska's artistic output shows a consistent engagement with socio-political themes, particularly examining violence in visual culture, cultural identity, and historical memory. Her work often references Polish avant-garde traditions while maintaining a contemporary critical perspective. She has developed a distinctive approach that combines theoretical rigor with artistic experimentation across multiple media. First Degree Award from the Ministry of Culture and Art for theatre scenography Three scholarships from the Ministry of Culture and Art Artistic award from the Mayor of Łódź (2017) Main prize in the 2017 national competition of the Marshal of the Łódź Voivodeship As an educator, she has developed innovative curricula in costume design and multimedia scenography. Her habilitation thesis 'Image and Violence. Screen Code' represents a significant theoretical contribution connecting her artistic practice with critical theory. She has presented her work internationally, including at the Sorbonne University in Paris and the Marek Edelman Dialogue Center in Łódź. Her artistic works are held in prestigious collections including Sammlung Hoffmann Kollektion in Berlin and Die Bildwechsel-Archive Videomuseum in Hamburg.

• Visual Art
• Critical Art
• Performative Art
• +6 more

Witold Owczarek is an Associate Professor at the Stage Design Department within the Faculty of Interior Architecture, Design and Stage Design at ASP Wrocław. His academic focus aligns with the department's core areas: stage design, theater arts, and related disciplines. Contact him via w.owczarek@asp.wroc.pl . While specific research interests are not elaborated in the provided text, his affiliation with the Stage Design Department suggests expertise in scenography, set construction, and performance space innovation. No recent publications, grants, or awards are listed here. He has no documented advisees or students listed, and his involvement in labs or collaborative teams is unspecified. The summary reflects available institutional and positional details.

• Stage Design
• Theater Arts
• Scenography
• +3 more

Maria Bitka is a researcher at the Art Mediation Department of the Faculty of Sculpture and Art Mediation at Wrocław Academy of Fine Arts, and serves as an Erasmus+ coordinator. Her work bridges performance art, body art, and multimedia installations, focusing on themes of corporeality, gender symbolism, and the intersection of organic processes with artistic expression. Fields of Interest: Performance Art, Body Art, Feminist Art, Multimedia Installations, Gender Studies, Organic Materials in Art, Art Mediation Her research explores the symbolic and aesthetic dimensions of bodily fluids, particularly menstrual blood, and interrogates cultural taboos through projects like Bloody Mary (2020) and Sacrifice (2019). She often employs formal visual compositions to create tension between beauty and bodily reality. Recent works such as Flash (2023) and Body Art Bodyart (2024) analyze carnival aesthetics, pandemic isolation, and the deconstruction of identity via costume and movement. She has received recognition for projects like Plata , which resulted from winning the ANESKS competition. Collaborations include partnerships with Nati Krawtz, Ariadna Pastorini, and Ilona Barszcz. Her performances, such as The Birth of Venus (2023), investigate the interplay between culturally imposed imagery and physiological reality, using materials like semi-transparent fabric and sweat to dissolve boundaries. Scientific Awards: Winner of ANESKS competition Contact: m.bitka@asp.wroc.pl , maria.bitka@gmail.com , +48 604 235 450

• Performance Art
• Body Art
• Feminist Art
• +4 more

Agnieszka Kochańczyk is a current faculty member at the Faculty of Architecture of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk, specializing in costume and set design for film and theater. She collaborates with prominent institutions including the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre, Łaźnia Nowa in Kraków, and the Wilam Horzyca Theatre in Toruń. Education: Graduate of Painting from the Academy of Fine Arts in Wrocław Artistic Fashion Design from the School of Artistic Fashion Design in Kraków Since 2017, she has led fashion design workshops at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk. Since 2020, she co-leads the Performance Architecture and Scenography Studio with Dr. Katarzyna Zawistowska, focusing on interdisciplinary artistic projects at the intersection of architecture, performance, and visual arts.

• Theater Set Design
• Costume Design
• Scenography
• +3 more

Dr. Katarzyna Zawistowska is a faculty member in the Faculty of Architecture and Design at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk, Poland. She teaches and leads the Studio of Performance Architecture and Scenography (PASiS). A graduate (2003) and PhD holder (2013) from the same institution, she specializes in scenography, urban revitalization, and performative architecture. Her work bridges art, theatre, and urban space, with projects like TESTER (2014) and Theatre on the Barge (2011) addressing public domain interventions. She has received awards including the City of Gdańsk Award (2011) and Pomeranian Voivodeship Theatre Award (2012). Recent research focuses on Bauhaus interdisciplinary experiments, co-organizing the RE.bauhaus conference (2019). Active in theatre collaborations, she designed sets and costumes for Baltic Opera productions like Fidelio (2021) and explored politically charged narratives in her work.

• Architecture
• Urban Design
• Theatre Design
• +3 more

Dr. Paulina Czernek-Banecka is a member of the Faculty of Media Arts at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw . She holds a PhD in art (defended in 2013) and specializes in set and costume design for theatre. Education: 2008: Graduated with distinction in Set Design from the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. Research Interests: Her work focuses on innovative theatre design, including stage and costume creation for diverse theatrical productions. She emphasizes collaboration with international festivals and experimental theatre groups. Awards: 2013: Minister of Culture and National Heritage Award for Best Set Design. 2020: Teatroteka FEST award for set design of 'Kasie' . Collaborations: She has designed sets and costumes for major institutions like the Grand Theatre – National Opera, Dramatic Theatre in Warsaw, and the independent Montownia Theatre. Her work spans international festivals in Latvia, Italy, Hungary, Russia, Germany, Egypt, Jordan, and China. Labs/Teams: A decade-long collaborator with the Montownia Theatre, contributing to avant-garde theatre productions.

• Theatre Design
• Set Design
• Costume Design
• +3 more

Marta Dąbrowska-Okrasko is affiliated with the Faculty of Media Arts at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. She holds a diploma with distinction in Scenography and Interior Design from the same institution, alongside a diploma with distinction from the International School of Fashion Design and Costume Design. She was also a scholarship holder at Hochschule Trier (Germany) in the Faculty of Graphics/Visual Communication. Her professional work spans over 13 years in visual communication, including roles as a costume and set designer, graphic designer, and art director. From 2011 to 2019, she led the visual communication concept for the Dramatic Theatre of Warsaw. She has collaborated with major institutions such as the Och Theatre, Fabryka Trzciny, Powszechny Theatre in Łódź, and the Grand Theatre in Warsaw, alongside TVP and TVN. With over eight years of teaching experience, she currently serves as a lecturer in visual arts and design. Her work integrates interdisciplinary approaches across theatre, advertising, and academic instruction.

• Visual Communication
• Costume Design
• Set Design
• +3 more