Born in the historically rich city of Tabriz, Iran, Michael Kazemi’s artistic journey began far from where his roots lie. At the tender age of five, his family relocated, setting in motion a life lived across different cities and countries, offering him a vast and varied cultural landscape that would later influence his creative expressions. Despite these early upheavals, Kazemi’s love for art, business, and storytelling flourished, taking him on an extraordinary journey from Iran to South Korea, where he currently resides.
Michael pursued higher education in International Business Management, earning his Bachelor of Science degree with the intention of forging a business career. However, fate had other plans, and his journey led him to the creative realm of photography and filmmaking—a domain that now defines his career.
Settling in the vibrant city of Busan, South Korea, ten years ago, Kazemi’s interest in photography, which initially started as a casual hobby, quickly transformed into a burning passion. Despite the challenges of being in a new country and dealing with a language barrier—since all photography courses were offered in Korean—Michael, undeterred, taught himself the craft. It was not an easy road, but his resilience and commitment to learning photography propelled him into the thriving art scene of South Korea.
Photography for Kazemi is not just about capturing images; it is about telling stories. His experience as a freelance photographer spans across diverse genres, including photojournalism, event coverage, and artistic documentation of nature, travel, and cityscapes. For the past five years, he has been freelancing for local media in Busan, photographing everything from weddings and events to capturing the scenic beauty of Korea’s landscapes. His deep interest in documentary photography highlights his passion for capturing real-life moments, and his experimentation with abstract and minimalist photography reveals his artistic inclination toward exploring the beauty of simplicity.
In addition to his freelance work as a photographer and filmmaker, Kazemi has embraced the role of an art curator. For years, he has been curating art shows and exhibitions, and his recent years have seen him taking on a more serious approach to this role. Presently, Michael serves as the Chairman of the Photography Artist Committee at the prestigious Haegeumgang Theme Museum, a role that further cements his influence in South Korea’s art community.
Through his curatorial work, Kazemi provides platforms for both emerging and established photographers to display their art, thus nurturing a collaborative and flourishing artistic community. His expertise as a curator has been showcased in various local and international art exhibitions, festivals, and showcases where his eye for detail and love for storytelling have guided numerous successful events.
Over the past decade, Kazemi’s work has been recognized both locally and internationally. His participation in numerous exhibitions and art festivals, both in South Korea and abroad, has earned him high acclaim. He has had five solo exhibitions in Busan alone, one of which was organized by the city’s government to honor his contributions as a talented local artist. This recognition from Busan City Hall stands as a testament to his growing influence in South Korea’s art scene and his dedication to his craft.
One of Michael’s proudest achievements is the official recognition of his status as an artist by the South Korean government—a rare and prestigious acknowledgment for foreign artists in the country. This milestone represents not only his dedication to his work but also his seamless integration into the cultural fabric of South Korea.
His photography has found its way into museums and galleries across the world, where his evocative visuals continue to inspire viewers globally. Kazemi has received numerous awards and accolades from art shows, festivals, competitions, and museums, solidifying his place in the international art community.
In addition to photography, Michael Kazemi is also involved in the global film industry, further extending his passion for visual storytelling. His work as a filmmaker complements his photography, and the two disciplines allow him to explore different perspectives of art, time, and narrative. His foray into film has been an exciting chapter of his creative journey, adding new layers to his artistic identity.
Despite his international acclaim, Kazemi remains deeply connected to his home base of Busan, where he continues to contribute to the local art and cultural scene. His love for documentary and abstract photography, coupled with his dedication to capturing the human experience, positions him as a unique voice in the world of photography and filmmaking.
Michael Kazemi’s journey from Tabriz to Busan, from business management to international art recognition, serves as an inspiring example of how passion, dedication, and perseverance can lead to the realization of artistic dreams. As a self-taught photographer who overcame language barriers and cultural challenges, Kazemi stands as a beacon of creativity, reminding us that art knows no boundaries.
His story is not just about the places he has been, but about the lives he has touched through his lens and his storytelling, making him an extraordinary figure in both the local and global art communities. Whether through the vibrant streets of Busan or the quiet galleries of the world’s greatest museums, Michael Kazemi’s art continues to speak a universal language—one of beauty, emotion, and humanity.
