A guy walks into a history book: fitting individuals into collective memory

This event has ended.

Public lecture with Michal Iwanowski, Cardiff based artist and a lecturer in photography at Cardiff Metropolitan University

Open to all

This event takes place as part of the History and Heritage research theme.

Abstract

Whose memory makes the history books? Whether retracing a fugitive escape from a soviet POW in 1945, or walking across post-Brexit Europe from his home in Wales to his home in Poland, Michał Iwanowski will bring into focus the often overlooked personal experience and record of historical events. Using his art practice as reference, he will discuss the role of landscape as an archive; long-distance walking; and photography’s (in)ability to fix links between history and memory.

Biography

Michal Iwanowski (b. 1977) is a Cardiff based artist and a lecturer in photography at Cardiff Metropolitan University. His work, rooted in the documentary tradition, brings together photography, text, archival materials, and performative elements - most notably long distance walking. Iwanowski’s first monograph ‘Clear of People’ was published in 2017, and his second book ‘Go home Polish’ is due to be published in 2024. His work is in the permanent collection of international institutions, including Museum of Contemporary art in Zagreb and the National Museum of Wales.

Event format & recording

The event will take place in person.

Simultaneous translation

The event will be delivered in the medium of English. You are welcome to ask questions in the medium of Welsh during the Q&A session. If you intend to do this, please contact mlang-events@cardiff.ac.uk by Monday 18 March to request simultaneous translation.

Please note that 10% or more of those planning to attend will need to request this provision in order for it to be sourced and will be subject to resource availability.

Registration

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Risk assessment

A risk assessment has been conducted for this event. If you would like to see a copy of the risk assessment, email mlang-events@cardiff.ac.uk

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