SPACE SEMIOTICS – THE MYSTERY OF SPACE
Stage design is for me a kind of philosophy, written with form, color and image instead of words – I was always fascinated with idea, that spacial concepts represent a certain understanding of the world. Scenography defines persona played by an actor, just like space defines us as the people – geometry organizes the Universe, brings it for us out of the chaos and leads us towards harmony and comprehension of being.
I started to work as a stage designer while I was still studying theatre science, where I was particularly interested in semiotics and cognitive aspect of theatre theory. During my stage design studies, I rediscovered geometry, which has since become for me an unfailing source of inspiration. Perhaps that is why scenography stays for me always between art and science. I strive to combine those two factors in my work, and I try to remember, that in order to successfully communicate with the audience I need to know the language of the form and operate it also on a deeper, subconscious level.

BIO
• 2006 – 2011: University of Applied Arts Vienna, Stage Design Class (Diploma in 2011, Prof. Bernhard Kleber)
• 2000 – 2006: Jagiellonian University, Theater Science and Polish Philology (Master’s thesis in 2007, Prof. Ewa Miodonska–Brookes)
• 2003 – 2004: School of Artistic Costume Design, Kraków
• 2005 – 2006: Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Hatha Yoga Teacher Training
• 1988 – 1994: Bronisław Rutkowski Music School Kraków, piano class
PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS
Space semiotics, poetic theatre, Dogma movement, geometry, archetypes and collective consciousness (C.G. Jung), symbolism, culture anthropolgy, indigenous cultures and their art;
INTERESTS & HOBBYS
3D design, construction, mountaineering, bike & hike adventures – high alpine mountain biking, Muay Thai, cross-country skiing and ski touring, travelling, astrophotography and astronomy, playing instruments and composing music, 432Hz music, tattoo design, photography;
WHAT I DO
• production design, art direction, stage design, set decoration, costume design
• interior design
• design of shop windows, stages for events, concert-stages, fashion shows
• technical design of scenography (technical drawings, editing and transformation of virtual models, 3D visualisations and animations, virtual scenography)
• building decorations (walls, forms, furniture, textures, props)
• photography and editing of images, fiilmstills photography
• videoart, video editing

IN PRODUCTION
2026 – Die Landarztpraxis – TV Series, Filmpool Entertainment GmbH & SAT1, art director: Joanna Piestrzyńska;
2025 – Illegal – feature film, EPO Film & ITV Studios Germany, art director: Joanna Piestrzyńska;
REVIVAL PRODUCTIONS
2027 – La Traviata, Berlin State Opera; stage directing: Dieter Dorn, stage design: Joanna Piestrzyńska, costume design: Moidele Bickel;
REFERENCES
| Filmpool Entertainment | Berlin State Opera |
| SAT 1 | Podlasie Oper and Philharmonic |
| EPO Film | Akzent Theatre Vienna |
| ITV Studios Germany | City Theatre Mödling |
| Lieblingsfilm | Stadttheater Bruck an der Leitha |
| DOR Film | Schlosstheater Schönbrunn |
| ZDF | Juliusz Slowacki Theatre Cracow |
| Moovie | Hirschberg City Theatre |
| Constantin Films | National Old Theatre Cracow |
| Syrreal Enterteinment | Opelln Amphitheater |
| Syrreal Dogs | Music Theatre Forte |
| RTL | Gastspiele Fürth |
| CBS Studios | Stadttheater Fürth |
| ARD Degeto | Stadtsaal Hollabrunn |
| Tempus Film | Stadtgallery Mödling |
| Arbor Films | TU Open Air Stage |
| Lucky Bird Pictures | VHS Brigittenau |
| Enter Film | Teatro |
| WSF Warsaw | Rabauki |
| FAK Vienna | Marschalls Office Voivoidship Podlaskie |
| WRiTV Katowice | Arena Classica |
| Le Fresnoy France | MDW Vienna |
| Lapama | UJ Theatre Workshop |
| Inkubator Kultury | PAN Vienna |
| Wajda Film School | Props SC |
| Infinity Group | Opinion Leaders Network |
| UAK Vienna | University of Applied Arts Vienna |
| Ken Leee | Jagiellonian University |
| Grossproduktion | |
| Junger Film | |
| Jewel Labs | |
all rights reserved
Vienna 2025
COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
ALL PHOTOGRAPHS on the website and any other site under the www.scenicdesign.org domain are the property of Joanna Piestrzynska and are protected by European Union and International copyright laws. All copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property rights in this site, are the property of Joanna Piestrzynska. Any publication, copying, posting on social media and any other use (private or commercial) is forbidden und will be a cause for a legal action.

