“I'm no Zofia Rydet...”

I often think about Zofia Rydet, remember Her and admire Her extremely hard work on the Record and all other photographic series.

For now, my project is just an embryo; in the hatching phase. I haven’t been working on it for long. I still have many questions and doubts, but I am certainly not driven by sentimentality.

When I think about the sense or meaning of my work, when there is a need to write or talk about it, I come to the conclusion that I – just like Zofia Rydet – simply portray people. Who are these people portrayed by me? They are the so-called last representatives of an endangered species. Endangered, in the sense that there will never be others in their place, and most often this place won’t even exist anymore.

Who are these people? What do they have in common? Perhaps the fact that I know them all personally, I admire and respect them. They are all unique. I have a unique, special relationship with each of these people. Some of them I’ve known for years. These people are my universe, my microcosm. And the spaces, in which I portray them? Their flats, studios, workplaces, or other favourite places where they feel best. The spaces where they live soon won’t exist. And, as I mentioned at the beginning, these people won’t be there – all of us won’t be here soon. After all, all of us, all people, without exception, we are a dying species.

Needless to say, apart from the fact that as artists we work using various materials and substances, we also work with, above all, time. Time is the most important, essential medium. Apparently, the so-called fight against time is futile. But in this case, time helps.

I do not know where my work on “I am no Zofia Rydet” will lead me, but I am certain of one thing. I remember perfectly well when Zofia Rydet said to me: “Imagine our life without photography. That would be impossible – we could not live without photography.” And I knew that by photography she meant art.

May 2019