HOT IN AUGUST - CRIMES & BANANAS




BERLIN, GERMANY / 2023
Fotogalerie Friedrichshain

Exhibition
Analog Photography

Queer



LINK TO PHOTO SERIES ︎




This series of photographs was meticulously crafted to align with the theme of the exhibition at Fotogalerie F.: "Hot in August." Driven by a desire to confront a subject deeply personal to me(one that resonates profoundly with individuals in my inner circle) I embarked on this artistic journey during a sweltering and politically tumultuous summer.

It was amidst these challenging conditions that I felt compelled to shed light on the stark reality faced by many Polish people, a reality that echoes the struggles of numerous other nationalities grappling with similar forms of oppression. Through my lens, I sought to capture not just the heat of the season but also the simmering tensions and complex narratives that define our shared human experience.



Through this series of photographs, I aim to shed light on the often-overlooked minority in Poland. These are the individuals who navigate the complex intersections of being children of immigrants, members of the queer community, and participants in a general atmosphere of "letting go," where every action, touch, or behavior carries consequences in their daily lives. Anchored in Poland, a country where certain freedoms are still not fully respected, their experiences stand in stark contrast to the liberating and expressive environment of Berlin.

In the familiar landscapes of their upbringing—fields and mountains—this trio of individuals revels in the simple pleasures of wandering, especially during the warmth of summer. This season becomes a cherished time for them to carve out a space of freedom, a cocoon where they can express themselves amidst a reality that often demands camouflage.

Conversely, we encounter a woman who finds herself underrepresented in the narrative of her country. Her confidence, radiance, and the nudity she cannot openly display to all become both her strength and vulnerability.

Amidst these four characters and their unique stories, a hot summer unfolds in myriad forms. It is a season experienced not only in terms of climate but also in the heated realms of politics, where this generation asserts their rights. They do so in a space crafted from a kaleidoscope of colors, evocative smells, memories, and aspirations for the future. In this series, the convergence of climate and politics becomes the backdrop against which a new narrative emerges—a narrative of resilience, identity, and the pursuit of freedom.
                    



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