2020. One Year at Protests

About

Women, the LGBT community, Youth Climate Strike, Black Lives Matter, entrepreneurs, trade unionists, farmers and Citizens of Poland have protested in the streets of Poland. The protests have been unique not only in terms of scale but also energy and the power of visual and linguistic expression.

Photographers have been at the forefront of the street protests documenting the events, often exposed to the risk of infection or police aggression. Their photographs have hit the front pages and have been instantly released in social media. They have inspired debate, provided evidence of law enforcement abuse and motivated protesters to take to the streets even more. They have been of particular significance to those who participate remotely. Photographs published online have become a form of protest in their own right and users have felt they make a statement by sharing them. They have acted as banners, they have easily gone viral, and have triggered comments, shares and memes at an alarming speed. The medium of photography is not transparent or unbiased, and it has an enormous power of persuasion. History is made before camera but photographers make history as well. In a reality filled by fake news and manipulation, reliable documentary journalism has become a tool of activism fighting for the truth and social justice. Photographs that portray street spectacles have become a weapon in a battle of images and symbols, and they have given voice to those who get heard the least.

More information will be available soon.

Promo graphics: photo by Agata Kubis + the Strike Font

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