2013-2015

POLAND: Chudobczyce, Poznan; THE NETHERLANDS: Amsterdam, Utrecht; BELGIUM: Antwerp, ENGLAND: London

Polish complicated history, and especially the dramatic sequence of events in the last century, has made millions of Poles emigrants - often against their will. Also in recent years of regained freedom and democracy Poland has to deal with the phenomenon of voluntary migration in the European Union.

Only in 2013 as many as 70 thousand residents have left Poland. There are more than 2.2 million Poles (previous year there were 2.13 million) abroad. Currently 1.41 million more Poles live abroad than in 2004 (year of accession of Poland to the European Union) - according to data from the Polish Central Statistical Office.

With the increase of the number of emigrants also the problem of marginalization and homelessness Poles living abroad intensifies. This is a relatively new phenomenon often associated with addiction (alcoholism, drug addiction, gambling), mental illness, escape from justice,  lack of knowledge of the culture of a foreign country or just plain bad luck. In last years the problem is growing and becoming a global issue - for a great portion of the poorer European countries (Central - Eastern Europe).

The project documents the complex fate of Poles who have found themselves in a difficult situation outside their homeland. Shows their attempt to return to a "normal life", their home or lost family.

An important part of the whole story are the "leaders" - people who overcame their hardships (addiction, homelessness) and now through their experience help the Poles outside Polish borders.

The photographs were also taken in places where the marginalized build communities; governed by fixed rules such as ban on alcohol, drugs, joint work for the community and reintegration, they strive to come back to the “normal life” they dream of.

Hobos, winos, junkies, bums, derelicts, criminals or other “dysfunctional members of society” cause fear, embarrassment, unkindly distance and meaningful looks when our paths cross. Will the words-stigmas never cease to be their attributes? Can they ever return to the “normal” society?