Tomasz Wiech

“As for photography, I am interested in a present day. I like to watch the World that exists now, the one I know and understand, the one I can tell something about. I enjoy travelling very much. Sometimes I travel far, sometimes close by: to the neighbouring estate or to the other part of the town. Things that are important are happening right there, if you ask me. I am interested in everyday life instead of exotic looks, that is why I photographed office work, life of housing estates and recently – Poland, the country I live in. I try to avoid clichés and stereotypes while taking photos. I would rather like my pictures to be questions, inducing to reflection and discussion.” Born in 1979, Tomasz Wiech is a freelance photographer. He studied at the Institute of the Creative Photography in Opava (Czech Republic). Between 2004 - 2010 he collaborated with „Gazeta Wyborcza” - polish daily. His photos won him a prize at the World Press Photo competition in 2008, he was also a finalist of Leica Oscar Barnack Award in 2011 and Magnum Expression Award in 2012. He was awarded a scholarship of Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage in 2010 and a scholarship of National Centre of Culture in 2011. He published the book „Poland. In search of diamonds”. The book was nominated in „Photo-Eye” Best Book 2012. He lives and works in Krakow, Poland.