She was 14. Beaten, afraid, unaware of why she was there. And that became the memory of Czesława Kwoka, an image that still travels the world today.
‍
I could not and would not accept that this would be her only memory.

So I drew her. Again and again, layer upon layer over the same portrait. Slowly, her fear faded. Her lips turned into a smile, her eyes began to shine. And at one point, her vitality completely overwhelmed me.

What I hadn't expected—I thought I had to comfort and protect her, but after a profound event in my own life, the roles reversed. She became the one who helped me.

As I drew, I got to know her. She told me her dreams and wishes. Now she dances again, dreams again, and lives again. I am giving her back what was taken from her: her dignity and her vitality.
‍
She doesn't have to be far from you. She could be you, your mother, your daughter. She can make you feel that looking away is a choice.

This project has culminated in a book that lets you experience the process, layer by layer. From the very first portrait to the girl looking at you here. It features full-colour plates showing the search, the thoughts that arose while drawing, and the other works associated with this project, such as the nest, the dove, and the chick.

Price: € 27.50
‍
Pick up by appointment or home delivery (€ 5.85).

"The Girl from Beneath My Wing" (pre-order).

The performance at which the book will be presented is on Sunday, September 6th.