Lately I got aware of the strong Polish community here in Brighton and started documenting them and other migrant groups in the area.
From top left: Gregor, retail worker, Brighton Pier. Woitec and collegue, Rides supervisors.
Pietr, retail (Fish and Chips), Brighton Pier. Row of chairs, Polish community centre, Hove.
(©Julia Horbaschk)
In the summer season 80% of the Pier employees are Polish. Visiting the Polish church a few weeks ago, however, I realised how large the Polish community in Brighton really is. Brighton has a Polish community center, 3 Polish shops and a Polish night club. Official figures say the Polish community is about 5000 people, unofficially they say it's more like 10000. I am interested in their experience here and what makes them stay.
It is not new for England to have Polish migrants. Many came in the 1940s fleeing the war and possible deportation by German officers. The UK has always been attractive to foreigners but all of a sudden some people feel overwhelmed by the many new immigrants the new EU enlargement has brought to the UK. A new wave of migrants was expected when Bulgaria and Romania have joined the EU this year yet this hasn't happened. The government has put on a work restriction for Bulgarians and Romanians. Rather unfair I would say.
My images try to show the young generation of migrants at work and play. Many of the individuals tell me they do not feel as accepted as their British colleagues yet they are happy to be in the UK as the wages are better and the standard of living is higher. They seem to be caught up between the excitement of their new life and the challenges that life in the UK brings. I feel that some of my images i.e the smiles but crossed arms of Pietr or Woitec show this dilemma.
Back to Lange: Her book features fascinating portraits and deals with the theme 'migration' in a humane way. Here are some of Lange's images (these are copies from the book "Photographing the Second Gold Rush" and not available online as far as I know- here used for educational purpose only- please respect © D. Lange):
Another more recent project that inspires me is the "New Europeans". It features refugees that have come to Europe from war torn countries such as the Sudan. The work, documented by Jim Goldberg, won the Henry Cartier -Bresson Award this year. The images are less direct then Lange's portrait's they are taken in a subtle yet emotional way. The spacial quality of the images makes me contemplate about the acceptance of migrants. The writing on the images makes me think about the peoples feelings and thoughts. See some of Goldberg's images here (© Jim Goldberg):
I have been inspired by the two photographers above, yet I am still struggling to make my choices when photographing people. Who should we photograph and why? Are we drawn to some people more then to others? Do the photographers have a method/concept when taking pictures? What do these pictures/portraits mean to a viewer/ an audience? And what do the sitters themselves have to say?
Goldberg, has used Polaroids for people to scribble their thoughts on. Perhaps I can make the peoples thoughts more prominent in some way too. Any suggestions you are welcome to call. j.horbaschk@gmail.com
Links to Dorothea Lange, Jim Goldberg and my own images:
J.Goldberg: http://wirtzgallery.com/exhibitions/2007/2007_10/goldberg_2007_frame.html
D.Lange: (You will need to register with the NY times to access this site- but it's worth it!): http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/06/arts/design/06lang.html?_r=1
Julia Horbaschk: http://picasaweb.google.com/J.Horbaschk/NewEU
