
A Pause with Agi Sibiga - Warsaw, Poland
Agi Sibiga’s photography transforms the mundane into something exceptional, drawing our attention to details that often go unnoticed.
There’s a presence in absence in her work, an invitation to slow down and truly observe. Even when no one is in the frame, you feel as if you are there. She masterfully balances realism with dreaminess, crafting compositions that are firmly rooted in reality yet shimmer with a quiet sense of mystery.
Tell us a little about yourself. (Where are you based, and what drew you to photography?)
I share my life between Poland and Italy. Warsaw is where my daily life unfolds - it’s home to my family, friends, and everyday rhythm. But my work often takes me to Italy, a country I feel deeply connected to - a place where I feel I truly belong.
As for photography - it’s hard to pinpoint a single beginning. I still remember one of my first school trips in the '90s, when my parents let me take the family’s analog camera. I was so excited. I photographed everything I saw, I even remember taking what might’ve been my first-ever selfie (I still have that photo!).
The real turning point came in my twenties. I loved taking photos with my phone, editing them, playing with colors - but at some point, that wasn’t enough. I wanted to understand photography on a deeper, more professional level. So I bought my first mirrorless camera and a 35mm lens. After just one trip I knew I needed more - and soon upgraded to a full-frame camera, which I still use to this day.
What excites or fascinates you most about your work?
I think what excites me the most is that photography has transformed the way I perceive the world. It has taught me to truly observe - to notice - and this practice of noticing has deepened my appreciation for everyday moments.
Another aspect I deeply value is the opportunity to travel, discovering places, meeting people and immersing myself in their culture.
Is there a particular theme or emotion that runs through your work?
There's a sense of presence in absence in my work. Although people are usually not in the frame, viewers often tell me they feel a sense of nostalgia, as if they are part of the scene. My compositions are grounded in reality yet carry a subtle sense of mystery.
Have any creatives influenced your aesthetic or approach?
Yes, I find a great deal of visual inspiration in cinematography. The works of Michelangelo Antonioni, Paolo Sorrentino, Éric Rohmer, and Krzysztof Kieślowski have particularly influenced me. I'm especially drawn to films where extended scenes and deliberate pacing allow the imagery to take center stage.
Your work beautifully captures silence and stillness, do you have a favorite time of day to photograph?
Of course, I admire the moments when the sun is close to the horizon. At sunrise, just as the sun begins to rise the sunlight is soft and subtle. Similarly, during sunset, when the sun is about to disappear behind the horizon, the sky and greenery take on their most beautiful hues, creating a serene atmosphere I find most touching.
Social Media & AI – Curse or Blessing?
I believe it's a blessing when used wisely. AI tools integrated into platforms like Adobe have been incredibly helpful, saving me significant time on repetitive tasks. However, I'm not a fan of AI-generated images. They feel soulless and lack the emotional depth that human-created art possesses.
Is there a place anywhere in the world that holds a special memory for you?
Rome holds a special place in my heart. To me, it's the most beautiful city in the world - La Città Eterna - with an eternal charm that transcends time. Its architecture is unparalleled, and every corner reveals works of art that we learn about in school. Roman cuisine is also among my personal favorites, featuring so many beloved dishes - cacio e pepe, carciofi alla giudia… I'm hungry just mentioning them! Rome truly has it all.
What’s a place that has inspired you deeply?
Again, Rome. When I was a teenager, my parents sent me on an organized tour around Italy - my first time visiting the country. We explored Venice and Florence, but arriving in Rome was something else entirely. It felt worlds apart from my small hometown in Poland - the buildings seemed almost dreamlike, and everything was incredibly beautiful. I instantly felt like I wanted to live there.
I remember walking through the streets, imagining myself as a local, completely detached from the group I was traveling with.
It was also the moment I realized that group or organized trips aren't really for me. Being tied to a strict schedule and rushing to tick off monuments just doesn’t suit my style. I prefer spontaneity and letting things unfold naturally.

What’s your favorite piece of art, and why?
- From your own work
It’s hard to choose just one - many of my photographs are close to my heart. But some stand out because of the story behind them. One of those is an image I took at Palazzo Castellucio.
That day, I was wandering around Noto with my husband, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was missing something. I had a random screenshot on my phone, but I didn’t know what the place was or where to find it.
We were enjoying a fantastic brioche con gelato at the famous Caffè Sicilia, but in the back of my mind, I kept thinking: Where is it? How can I find it? Then I spotted the tourist information sign, and I just knew I had to ask. A lovely man working there immediately recognized the place: “Palazzo Castellucio.” Five minutes later, we were there - and I was completely overwhelmed. The staircase, the soft colors, the light... it was pure magic.
Later, while editing the images, I literally had tears in my eyes. That staircase shot remains one of my all-time favorites.
- From someone else’s work
The piece I keep coming back to is Sirens by Teofil Kwiatkowski (1845), held at the Czartoryski Museum in Kraków. I have a small postcard of it on the cabinet in my bedroom, so I can look at it every day.
I’ve always felt a strong connection to water-related symbols - it’s definitely my element. What I particularly appreciate about this painting is that Kwiatkowski chose not to depict the sirens as dangerous creatures luring sailors to their doom, but rather as young women, sometimes interpreted as nymphs or nereids, dancing in the sea.
I adore the color palette of the piece: the shimmer of the foaming waves, the softness of the light, and the delicate mist rising above the water.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Advice for all the creatives who want to get involved with photography: Learn the rules - but always follow your instincts. Do things the way you truly feel them.
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To collaborate or explore Agi's extensive portfolio, visit https://agisibiga.com
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