Arkadiusz Kubisiak is a Polish documentary photographer whose practice focuses on profound, long-term projects investigating marginalized social groups and human resilience. His work is characterized by a blend of technical mastery and deep compassion, often documenting communities operating outside the mainstream gaze. Kubisiak utilizes photography as a tool to reveal complex narrative structures, inviting the viewer into an intense engagement with themes of identity, disability, and social participation.

In his series Laundry Room, Kubisiak documents life at the Center in Pionki, a facility for people with intellectual disabilities, and its unique puppet theater. Over 25 years, a close-knit community has formed there, functioning like a family and creating its own identity through the art of puppetry. To capture the impressive, life-sized puppets and complex scenes, Kubisiak constructed a large-scale outdoor studio that mimics natural light. The project does not only showcase the troupe's artistic achievement but serves as a portrait of a community where roles are not assigned but embraced, and where the theater becomes a space for purpose and belonging.

Kubisiak’s career is marked by exceptional international success, including Gold awards at the Tokyo International Foto Awards (TIFA) and the Prix de la Photographie Paris (PX3). He has been honored multiple times in prestigious competitions such as the International Photography Awards (IPA) and Grand Press Photo. His work has been exhibited in major galleries in Warsaw and worldwide, and featured in international publications including National Geographic, Black & White Magazine, and Lens Magazine. As a jury member and lecturer at the ZPAF School of Photography, he also contributes actively to the development of contemporary photography.

Education & Training

2013

Transmission pour l'Image workshop, Perpignan, France

2009

The European Academy of Photography, Warsaw, Poland

2005

The Academy of Photography, Warsaw, Poland

Exhibition & Projects (Selection)

2024

W-Wa, B&B Photography Gallery, Bielsko-Biała, Poland

Very Bright Summit, Old Gallery, Warsaw, Poland

2023

W-WA, GFMR, Rzeszów, Poland

2022

Punished Town, Museum of Photography Gallery, Poland

It’s a Bird and It’s Not, Terra Natangia Gallery, Poland

2018

Very Bright Summit, Jasna Góra Monastery, Częstochowa, Poland

Very Bright Summit, Galeria Dwa Plany, Rzeszów, Poland

2017

Punished Town, Solo Exhibition, Old Gallery (ZPAF), Warsaw, Poland

2016

Punished Town, Centre of Contemporary Art Elektrownia, Radom, Poland

2014

Passing Shadows, Solo Exhibition, NEY Gallery, Warsaw, Poland

Passing Shadows, Airport (BZ WBK Press Foto Roadshow), Poland

2013

Teofil, The Art of Photography Show, USA

Passing Shadows, National Geographic Contest Roadshow, Poland

2011

Portraits, Group Exhibition, Warsaw Festival for the Photographic Arts, Poland