Thursday, December 04, 2008

Please meet the amazing photographer Aleksander Prugar

No, the photo below isn't one I took, but those who are familiar with my photos had seen that already.
Neither is the man in the picture Aleksander Prugar, it is a photo taken by same Aleksander.

The subject is obviously a miner. *)
The photographer has published several series about miners and the mining areas in the South of Poland. Not only that; there is also a series about what it is like to live behind the huge ads that embellish the façades of Polish buildings these days.

Need I say I am in awe of Mr Prugar?
Maybe the reader of this blog has the time to see what this Polish photographer's take on Poland looks like.
You won't regret it, of that I am sure.

*) Alexander Prugar sent me a correction: the man is not a miner but a charcoal worker in Bieszczady Mountains.

19 comments:

Vallypee said...

A beautiful and touching photo Koosje. The miner has such a gentle face and seems to feel very tender towards the little dog, despite the touch life that he lives. Stunning pair of eyes there too...or maybe it's the coal dust that makes them stand out like that! xxx

Stevie said...

(the delete was me... oops)
This is an amazing shot... people are what I shoot best, and really, when I am best with my camera is when I am being a journalist, NOT doing weddings or portraits. I would dearly love to just shoot for a living one day, and one day soon, when I have only myself to worry about feeding, I will take that plunge and quench the thirst again.
The shots that were on my former website (a friend is going to help put together a new one) were ok, but far from what i like to do.
So seeing this photo... Oh Koos, thank you so much for posting it. It has reminded me of my love of shooting again. and I will definitely be visiting the website you suggested.
much love
Stevie

Anonymous said...

The boy's got talent.
What would our health and safety fascists (sp?) make of the playground gallery...or all of them?
I do love these photo diaries. Looking at Francis Frith's photos from 100+ years ago and comparing them to modern times is fascinating... these will have the same resonance in the future.

Anne-Marie said...

That is a soft photo of a man with a harsh working life. I agree with Val- the eyes have it. And who can resist a dog?

xx
AM

Dale said...

The juxtaposition of disposition and a hard working position...

Gentle and harsh melded into one.

I would really like to know the attraction Poland has. Is it that different than any other eastern European country, or is there something more rare and special about this place?

Beth's grandmother on her birth father's side was from Poland.

Koos F said...

Poland is very much like France, so for the most part I can save my breath.
Add to that people who mostly keep to themselves until contact is made - then you meet helpful friendliness.
Minus arrogance and xenophobia. Minus famous cuisine and wines.

Koos F said...

Maybe I should have left the photo of the miner wth dog out, and just given a link to the photographer's site?

Ahvarahn said...

No, leave the photo here Koos. You shared it. It's tremendous. It says a lot about you.

Dale said...

Koos, forgive me - I had to google "xenophobia"...

Koos F said...

Good advice, Paul, I'll leave it there.

Dale, bless Google!

Stevie said...

wow. I went to the site and watched each one.
Most impressive.

Dale said...

...and I did visit the Prugar's site!

beautiful
haunting
stark

you know

Koos F said...

Stevie and Dale: you make a Dutch man happy.

Koos F said...

And here's a big thank you to Chris. B. as well.

Anne-Marie said...

Where did the Blame Canada post disappear? Did it fall off the radar because the northern border wasn't being watched properly?

xx
AM

Koos F said...

Thanks for watching, Anne-Marie. I put it back to the Draft status, until I know more about the subject.

Anne-Marie said...

Koos, all you need to know is that the American government loves to blame us for the leaky land borders, especially after 9/11. I can tell you that as an air passenger, I always found airport security to be lacking into and within the US when I flew there, whereas Europe and Canada generally had the same higher standards. It all has evened out now, except you still find what Austin amusingly calls "security theatre" at many airports in the US (ie: it looks good but accomplishes very little in practical terms).

As for parliament, it seems out PM's pro-roguing manoeuvre has worked quite well in his favour. We have a new leader of the opposition, and things have been suspended until mid-January, where he hopes cooler heads will prevail and he can save his government from falling. His biggest problem is that he has acted like he's had a majority government and didn't think the opposition parties had it in them to fight back because they are essentially broke from the recent election and not terribly willing to head back to the polls. Nothing illegal about forming a co-alition, though, which blindsided him nicely. He is petty and partisan, and a bit of a control freak. Can you tell I didn't vote for his party? ;)
xx
AM

Koos F said...

Thanks Anne-Marie. That clarifies things.
I have copied your comment to the now re-published post about Canada.

fot.AP said...

HEY KOOS !
All the best in New Year 2009 for You and Your girlfriend !