The figure sits on a bench near St. Urban’s Church, built in 1779 on the site of a medieval church. In the 19th century, victims of typhus epidemics and Protestants were buried nearby. Until 1945, Tworków belonged to Germany; after the war, it became part of Poland.

name

Hand of God

Hand of God is a black-and-white self-portrait series created in Upper Silesia. It explores individual identity in a region shaped by a complex history and shifting national borders. The title refers to historical and political forces that have influenced the lives of local people across generations, often beyond their control.

author

Michał Konrad

professional photographer, freelancer

Michał Konrad (born Michał Smuda) was born in 1983 in Wodzisław Śląski, Poland. He is currently a master's degree student at the Institute of Creative Photography of Silesian University in Opava. In September 2025, he earned the degree of BcA (Bachelor of Creative Arts). In May 2026, he was awarded First Prize in the Grand Press Photo competition.