Photography
Projects
by Janusz Miarka

Welcome to the "Photography Projects" section of PhotoMiarka, where Janusz's lens illuminates the extraordinary beauty of everyday life.

His projects aim to capture the essence of the mundane, transforming it into something remarkable and thought-provoking.

In our relentless pursuit of a better life, we often overlook the beauty surrounding us. Janusz's work invites you to pause, reflect, and appreciate the spaces around us, their usefulness, and their historical significance.

Achievements and Exhibitions

Janusz has confidently showcased his work in two notable group exhibitions. His project "Isolation," presented at the University of West London, explored the human need for privacy and safety. The project "The Bridges of London," exhibited at the Truman Brewery's Free-Range Show, highlighted London's bridges' historical and cultural significance. As a documentary photographer and world traveller, Janusz fonds Africa, evident in his photobook "Sexaxa."

Reflect and Connect

Janusz's photography evokes reflection and contemplation, encouraging viewers to connect with the beauty of everyday life. His work invites you to own a piece of this beauty with selected prints in our store.

Explore his projects and let Janusz's captivating images inspire you. Discover the world through Janusz's lens and appreciate the extraordinary in the ordinary.

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Monochromatic photograph of the Woodberry Wetlands entrance gate, symbolizing the tension between preserved nature and urban development in London. The black-and-white image highlights the delicate boundary between natural reserves and the encroaching city infrastructure.

Black and white photograph of modern residential buildings surrounding the Woodberry Wetlands area, illustrating the ongoing urban development encroaching upon natural green spaces in London.

Black and white photograph showcasing a construction site looming over the tranquil waters and trees of Woodberry Wetlands. The juxtaposition of natural beauty and urban encroachment emphasizes the impact of urban development on preserved green spaces.

Black and white photograph depicting a dirt path alongside the reflective waters of Woodberry Wetlands, with towering construction sites and cranes visible in the background, illustrating the intrusion of urban development into natural habitats.

Black and white photograph of a winding path at Woodberry Wetlands, bordered by natural reed beds and set against the backdrop of towering skyscrapers and construction cranes, illustrating the shrinking space for nature amidst London's urban development.

Black and white photograph showing a runner on a narrow path beside the Woodberry Wetlands, bordered by dense reeds and set against the backdrop of contemporary residential buildings. The image highlights the proximity of urban life to the serene wetland environment.

Black and white photograph of the Woodberry Wetlands, with construction cranes and high-rise buildings looming in the background. The image illustrates the encroachment of urban development on the serene natural environment of the wetlands.

Black and white photograph of an abandoned corner at the edge of Woodberry Wetlands, with scattered trash bins and overgrown vegetation in the foreground. Modern high-rise buildings loom in the background, highlighting the contrast between neglected spaces and new urban development.

Woodberry Wetlands vs London Developers

My work is about wildlife's powerlessness against destructive development processes in London. It is about the irreversible effects of human thoughtlessness and greed on still accessible and unspoilt terrain that has not yet been incorporated into the urban structure. I want to talk about places that, until recently, were open spaces and homes for wildlife and birds, and shortly, they will be fenced with skyscrapers.

I love nature, and as a scout, I spent my youth travelling through more and less wild areas of Poland. Since childhood, I have been taught respect for nature and to live with it in symbiosis, not to destroy what allows us to live. It does not matter where I am; I love nature and will always defend her. My weapon is a camera, and I will use it to open the eyes of humanity to this grave problem.

My medium for this assignment is a digital file. I used a full-frame DSLR camera and photographed everything in black and white, but I would like to use a 6x9 medium-format film camera in the future. Black-and-white photography is full of colour, and I believe that black-and-white pictures keep the spirit of narrative stronger than colour images.

This project arose from the influence of Sebastiao Salgado's work and his sensitivity to the problem of adverse global changes on Earth, Alexandr Gronsky's Pastoral project, and Ilkka Halso's future vision of the world as the Museum of Nature.

If you are a fan of my work and you want to support me as an artist, you can purchase the series or a single image from the collection in my Art Store.

- Sexaxa -
Life in a Little Village in Botswana

Travel to a small village in Botswana through Janusz's first photobook, "Sexaxa." This project captures a particular day in the village's life, showcasing its unique charm and simplicity.

When I initially presented the Sexaxa photo book project to Paul Lohneis, the Head of the London School of Film, Media & Design at the University of West London, he asked me why the book was in black and white. I had not thought about it before he asked. The book is a documentary that showcases moments from people's lives in a small African village. I told Paul that my photographic inspiration was the renowned photographer Sebastiao Salgado. His works, which focus on human and social issues and tell the stories of people and places, are always in black and white. A black-and-white picture emphasises the seriousness and uniqueness of the captured event, which is fitting for a documentary. Having grown up in the era of analogue photography, I consider black and white pictures majestic and deserving of respect.

The Sexaxa book is a brief report about a specific day in the life of a small African village community. It records human behaviour, situations, and places that shine a light on these people's lives. It showcases one of the few remaining places on our planet that civilisation has not yet destroyed. It introduces people who understand the importance of respecting other human beings, individuals who can still share their worries, solve their problems, and help each other. It demonstrates that there are still places where people can listen to each other and love and respect for others are still highly valued.

In conclusion, this book is about beautiful people with golden hearts who are friendly and welcoming to themselves and all who visit them.

Get your hands on this must-have photo book today! It's available for purchase right here.

This is a traditional village setting in Sexaxa featuring woven baskets filled with local produce arranged on a woven mat. The background shows elements of the village's simple structure, emphasising the connection to nature and cultural rituals.

A traditional entrance to the Sexaxa Cultural Village made from wood and reeds, surrounded by trees and natural materials, representing simplicity and harmony with nature.

A traditional bedroom in Sexaxa with clay walls and two simple beds covered with striped blankets reflecting a rustic and minimalist lifestyle.

A traditional living room in Sexaxa with reed and wood walls featuring handcrafted wooden stools and a reed mat, reflecting a minimalist and rustic design.

This is a contemplative portrait of an elderly woman in traditional attire from the village of Sexaxa. She sits quietly, her hand resting on her chin, reflecting deep thought and wisdom.

This is a portrait of an elderly woman from Sexaxa with a weathered face and distant gaze. She is dressed in simple, worn clothes that reflect strength and resilience.

This is a serene portrait of an elderly woman in Sexaxa, seated with her hands clasped. She is wearing a headscarf and traditional clothing, reflecting warmth and quiet dignity.

This is a portrait of a man from Sexaxa with a weathered face and contemplative expression dressed in a simple shirt, symbolising wisdom and resilience.

This is a thoughtful portrait of a man from Sexaxa, wearing a worn sweater, looking down in quiet reflection. Soft lighting highlights the textures of his face and clothing.

A man from Sexaxa speaking with expressive gestures, captured mid-speech, wearing a light jacket, and surrounded by warm, natural light.

A man from Sexaxa with a playful expression, dressed in a simple patterned shirt, leaning forward with a slight smile, suggesting a moment of connection.

A portrait of the village chief of Sexaxa wearing sunglasses and a suit, sitting calmly with a subtle smile, reflecting leadership and confidence.

This portrait of the regional pastor in Sexaxa is seated with a peaceful expression, wearing an embroidered shirt and formal jacket, symbolising wisdom and spiritual leadership.

A joyful woman dancing in Sexaxa, surrounded by smiling community members, wearing a traditional headscarf and dress, reflecting a lively celebration under the shade of trees.

A grandfather holding a traditional bow and standing beside his granddaughter in Sexaxa, surrounded by thatched roofs and clay pots, symbolising cultural heritage and generational continuity.

A portrait of the regional chief of Sexaxa, seated in a chair wearing sunglasses and a suit, reflecting authority and wisdom.

A group of older men from Sexaxa sat together, one gesturing with his hands, engaged in conversation, and dressed in traditional suits, reflecting community values.

Night view of Emirates Royal Docks in London, featuring the illuminated O2 Arena, Canary Wharf skyline, and dock cranes, with reflections on the water and glowing city lights.

Southwark Bridge in London is illuminated with colourful lights at dusk. The lights reflect on the Thames River, showcasing vibrant purples, blues, and greens against the city's backdrop.

Cannon Street Bridge in London, with its historic towers framed by modern glass skyscrapers like the Gherkin and other buildings under construction, reflects evening light.

With its red and white arches, Blackfriars Bridge in London is set against a backdrop of modern glass skyscrapers like the Leadenhall Building and the Walkie-Talkie, reflecting evening light on the Thames.

Architecture of London

Discover the architectural marvels of London, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. Janusz's photography highlights the city's unique blend of history and modernity.

Architecture of London is an exquisite series of four photographs taken during evening walks around London. The collection is a testament to the magnificent variety of colours and lights illuminating the captivating shapes of London's buildings and their construction. It is a visual feast for the eyes that showcases the awe-inspiring beauty of London's architecture.

The collection is now available in "My Store" in four variants. The first variant is "Framed Wall Arts," but only one piece is available in that limited edition. The second variant is "Mounted Collectors' Prints," but only fifteen pieces are available in that limited edition. The third variant is the "Photo-prints Collection," which includes a limited edition of 25 pieces or an open edition.

You can also purchase this collection as a digital NFT Limited Edition of 1 via my collection on the OpenSea.io platform.

- Motion in London -
The Time Flow in the City

Experience the dynamic energy of London through Janusz's lens. This project captures the hustle and bustle of city life, reflecting time's constant motion and flow.

The project 'Motion in London' is about movement, rhythm, and the flow of time in a big city. Made in London, it refers to its most well-known places, such as the Nelson Monument, London Eye, or Big Ben. Repeatedly in pictures, I placed a double-decker bus to identify this city.

This project was inspired by the Snyder and Allen essay "Photography, Vision, and Representation" (1975) and the work of the Argentinian photographer Estaban Pastorino Diaz (Shinjuku # 1, 2005).

I used two photographic techniques to implement this project. The first shows motion by displaying a sharp object or objects on a blurred background. I achieved this effect by using a long exposure. The second technique shows the object's size, dignity, and domination effect, in this case, London. I tried to achieve this by shifting the camera to almost the ground level.

This collection is also available in my Art Store.

Photography Projects by Janusz Miarka