¿WHO AM I?

Michael Papias is a Mexican-American photographer—based out of Los Angeles, CA. Having entered California’s foster care system at the age of 10, Michael’s projects focus on topics of (1) family, (2) addressing gaps in cultural knowledge, and (3) self-determination for all historically marginalized people.

Michael’s work is best described as taking place in the in-between space of social science research and a culturally resilient creative practice. Primarily working in analogue mediums over the past 13 years, his body of work has developed an intentional art practice that brings into focus the stories of invisible labor and oppressed identities—centering a “built by hand” practice.

Since graduating from the University of California, Berkeley in 2021—Michael has used his knowledge, in research and photography, to assist former foster youth and other historically marginalized artists across California develop their own creative careers.

Michael is an emerging historically marginalized artist who’s work has received national awards, publications, and fellowships.