Italy draws people in with its history, art, and landscapes. But for me, just as fascinating are its people – expressive, genuine, and kind.

It is they – in their everyday roles – who create the atmosphere of the places where I pause with my camera.

A loud vendor at a Sicilian market, a pensive mother with her daughters in a Lombard village, an elegant jeweler on Florence’s Ponte Vecchio – each of these individuals had something about them worth remembering.

The portraits presented here were taken across various corners of Italy. What unites them is authenticity – each captured in natural, unposed moments, without interference from the photographer. Chance encounters, fleeting glances, gestures that lasted only a second.

It’s a visual sketch of everyday life – a record of the unexpected, the warm, and the surprisingly beautiful in ordinary faces and moments. A close-up of another human being. No embellishments. No agenda.

Tomasz Karnowka

About the Author

Tomasz Karnowka – a native of Silesia and resident of Rybnik, graduate of the Silesian University of Technology, and retired mining professional. A photography enthusiast, he has been an active member of the “Indygo” Photographic Group in Rybnik for many years, and later of the “Fotobalans” Photographers’ Association in Wodzisław Śląski. He co-organizes photographic events, has won awards in photography competitions, and has participated in numerous group exhibitions.

He is the author of two solo exhibitions, presented among others during the Rybnik Photography Festival:
– In the Lighthouse’s Light (2020) – a portrait series of individuals with intellectual disabilities
– Nieboczowy – The Disappearing Village (2018, co-author: B. Rochalski) – a documentary series capturing the transformation of a village affected by the construction of the Racibórz Dolny reservoir

Italy has long been his favorite travel destination – he is captivated by its nature, landscapes, architecture, and history. Just as important to him are the people he meets there: their everyday lives and spontaneous encounters become a rich source of photographic inspiration.
This exhibition is the result of that deep and multifaceted fascination.

Information from the author

The photographs were taken during my travels in Italy and are mostly in the vein of street photography, based on authenticity and respect for the other person.
Most of the photographs were taken with the permission of the subjects or in situations where the presence of the camera was visible and not objectionable.
Some frames were taken on the move or from a distance, without the possibility of prior consent – none of them, however, depict people in a way that violates their dignity.
If in doubt, people who recognise themselves in the photographs are asked to contact the author.
The author bears full responsibility for the photographs presented.
The organiser of the exhibition is not responsible for any image claims.

Contact the author:
tomaszkarnowka.fotografia@gmail.com

The exhibition is non-ticketed and can be viewed in the Gallery lobby.