About Michele Maestrini

The world is a small place dominated by many physical boundaries and metaphysical walls; between cultures, religious believes, politics, money and power that have been ingrained into society from generations past. As so often happens these walls become entwined (one hiding behind the other); a catalyst that ignites a melting pot of inhumane aggression.

Through photography Michele aims to bring to the forefront these issues in the hope that we can start to question ourselves on common decency and endeavour to make a difference to public opinion regardless of preconceived ideas. To evoke debate as opposed to aggression, can only be established through knowledge and an unbiased belief in change.

Born in 1969 to an Italian father and a German mother, he graduated from university with a 1st Class Honours Degree in Civil Engineering. A self-taught documentary photographer currently based in London, his desire is uncomplicated:

"Photography is a pleasure that I want to convey, to incite a response through the search of light, motion and emotion. This medium has allowed me to cross into areas outside of my comfort zone as well as meeting people that I would otherwise never have met. I feel privileged to be in such a position and so I embrace the people I encounter with the utmost respect."

He is currently working on a long-term project that reflects the association with tuberculosis/HIV and poverty, a pandemic that is spiraling out of control. Just recently he has photographed Kibera located on the west side of Nairobi, Kenya, which is deemed as one of the largest slums in the world. The slums inherent problems offer a perfect breeding ground for the co-infectious disease.