Not Surrendering
Mariusz Śmiejek
Self published
English with Polish translation booklet
Hardcover
Limited Edition of 300 – Edition 016/300
168 pages
250 x 190 mm
2023
ISBN 9788396793102
Text by Malachi O’Doherty
Not Surrendering is a visual story presented as contemporary photography, depicting the post-conflict society of Belfast. Focusing on the spaces the subjects inhabit, the aspects of their daily lives, and the particularities of their neighbourhoods separated by ominous ‘peace walls,’ the photographs highlight the psychological state of siege that permeates working-class districts in Northern Ireland. The story also captures the atmosphere of despair that accompanies each successive generation—socially and mentally trapped in unprocessed traumas from which they cannot escape.
The aim of the photo book is to increase awareness and knowledge about processes of reconciliation in post-conflict societies that are divided territorially, politically, nationally, and religiously. The story this volume tells highlights the difficulties NGO and other grassroots projects face while working with difficult youth from families deeply involved in the conflict. The photographic images illustrate the tensions arising during celebrations of national identity, during which especially members of paramilitary groups openly fan the flames of hatred towards their neighbours. This directly affects the indoctrination of the youngest who actively participate in numerous events of this type, leading often to recruitment of young people into paramilitary associations or organised criminal groups
(source: https://mariuszsmiejek.com/photo-book)
About the Artist
Mariusz Śmiejek is an independent documentary photographer, visual storyteller, and educator with over 20 years of experience, specialising in capturing the raw and compelling narratives of human and social conditions. Known for documenting a wide range of subjects, including post-conflict communities, refugee crises, child slavery, human trafficking, victimised women, social and economic injustices in the gold and fishing industries, deforestation, environmental destruction, corruption, and systemic abuse.
mariuszsmiejek.com
(source: https://www.belfastexposed.org/exhibitions/not-surrendering/)
