Piotr Muszalski

Dr. hab. Piotr Muszalski is a Professor at the University of Arts in Poznań (UAP), currently serving as Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Animation since 2014 and Head of the Matter Animation Studio. Previously, he led the Animation Department from 2008 to 2014 and was associated with the Television Studio of Animated Films in Poznań (1993-2000). A member of the Polish Filmmakers Association, his creative works have been showcased at over 120 international film festivals, reviews, and screenings.

Education

• Graduate of the Faculty of Painting, Graphic Arts, and Sculpture at the State Higher School of Fine Arts in Poznań (now University of Arts in Poznań)
• Graduated in 1993 from Professor Kazimierz Urbański's Animated Film Studio

Research Interests

Professor Muszalski specializes in the pre-cinematographic period of visual media, with deep expertise in animation history, cinema archaeology, and optical illusion techniques. His work investigates early moving-image precursors and their cultural significance, emphasizing hands-on experimentation with historical methods.

Creative Filmography

• Toccata in D minor (1994)
• Gustav Klimt (1996)
• The Way of the Buddha (1997)
• How the God Major Lost His Throne (1999)

Studio Leadership

He directs the Matter Animation Studio, pioneering direct-under-camera techniques using loose matter, cutout, plasticine, and liquid paint. This studio functions as both a research hub for animation archaeology and a training ground for students mastering tactile animation methods.