ENTRY DESCRIPTION
SHAME is a photographic series of a performative and experimental character. In his works the author explores psychological and emotional aspects of a human being seeking their own identity in the ever-changing world. He is particularly interested in the phenomenon of psychological transgression as the tendency to expand and to cross the boundaries of individual abilities, overcoming barriers and breaking the established social patterns. SHAME as a determinant of social behaviour civilized norms often stands in the way of human activities. Paradoxically, the boundaries of shame are fluid and constantly pushed depending on the current interpretation of values or definitions of culture.

AUTHOR
Rafal Michalak, b. 1971.

Lives and works in Wroclaw, Poland. He studied political science and public relations. Graduate of Academy of Art and Design in Wroclaw with a Master of Arts (Media Art Department). A member of The Association of Polish Art Photographers (ZPAF).

He has been associated with the advertising industry and commercial photography for years. In his everyday work he deals with brand communication issues as well as visual identity development for companies and corporations. At the same time, he is actively engaged in creating his own original photography, thereafter presented in exhibitions and published in trade magazines. Winner of many photographic praises and commendations.

Human being as individuality and its place in the so fast altering world are the key factors of Michalak’s photographic research. In his photography he is mostly consumed with transgression understood as a conscious and intentional exceeding of bounds and limits that we impose on ourselves or encounter. At the same time, it provides a way to learn more about the hidden depths and makes it possible to experience reality from different points of view. Transgressive approach has characterised Michalak’s personal style of representation, regardless of used technique and medium, ever since he knowingly engaged in fine-art photography. Transgression determines his personal choices in terms of subjects he approaches, and even more so, the message, i.e. the idea behind a photograph, which he believes to be essential.

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