Michal Iwanowski

Michal Iwanowski is a Lecturer in Photography at Cardiff School of Art & Design, Cardiff Metropolitan University. He is a Cardiff-based visual artist with an international reputation in documentary photography, whose work bridges academic practice and professional artistic production.

He graduated with an MFA in Documentary Photography from the University of Wales, Newport in 2008, building on a practice that began developing in 2004. His educational background provides the foundation for his dual career as both educator and practicing artist.

Iwanowski's research and artistic practice centers on documentary photography with a distinctive focus on cultural identity, migration, and personal narratives. His work explores themes of displacement, belonging, and the complex relationship between people and landscapes, particularly examining Eastern European contexts through a deeply personal lens. Through his visual language, he addresses social issues while maintaining an intimate connection to his subject matter, creating work that resonates both locally and globally.

His major projects 'Clear of People' (2017) and 'Go Home Polish' (2019) demonstrate the evolution of his practice from book publication to international exhibition, with both projects receiving nominations for the prestigious Deutsche Börse Photography Prize.

• Emerging Photographer award by Magenta Foundation
• Honourable Mention at Px3 Prix De Photographie, Paris

Iwanowski has secured significant funding through Arts Council of Wales grants for both 'Clear of People' and 'Go Home, Polish,' demonstrating the impact and relevance of his work. His projects have achieved international recognition, with exhibitions spanning multiple continents and inclusion in permanent collections of major institutions including the National Museum of Wales.

His work has been exhibited globally at venues including Breda Photo Festival, Peckham24, Diffusion Photography Festival, and SPOT Gallery in Zagreb, establishing him as a significant voice in contemporary photography discourse.