My Grandad's House

Dates

2019 - Ongoing
Author

Zula Rabikowska
Topics Daily Life, Documentary, War & Conflicts
Location Poland, Poland

My Grandad's House (U Dziadka) was shot in August 2019, in a small Polish village where I was born and grew up called Fugasówka. Through a strong use of flash and garish colours, I explore the ongoing transition in my grandad's life from soviet communism to global capitalism.

My Grandad's House (U Dziadka) was shot in August 2019, in a small Polish village where I was born and grew up called Fugasówka. Through a strong use of flash and garish colours, I explore the ongoing transition in my grandad's life from soviet communism to global capitalism.

I focus on different elements of my grandad's life such as food, family, architecture, religion and aging. I use daily aspects as a commentary on a larger social transition.

I chose to focus on elements with a political significance, for example meat, which was scarce during communism.

© Zula Rabikowska - Kotlet Schabowy (Breaded Pork Cutlet) hammered on the floor by my grandad's partner.

© Zula Rabikowska - Kotlet Schabowy (Breaded Pork Cutlet) hammered on the floor by my grandad's partner.

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Kotlet Schabowy (Breaded Pork Cutlet) hammered on the floor by my grandad's partner.

© Zula Rabikowska - Freshly redone kitchen with the soviet shadow partially lifted.

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Freshly redone kitchen with the soviet shadow partially lifted.

© Zula Rabikowska - Gherinks, kefir, lard and pickled herring.

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Gherinks, kefir, lard and pickled herring.

© Zula Rabikowska - A varied selection of vodka and other alcohols in the kitchen.

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A varied selection of vodka and other alcohols in the kitchen.

© Zula Rabikowska - A window and some crutches.

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A window and some crutches.

© Zula Rabikowska - Classic wooden wall panels with a telephone and a list of emergency contact numbers.

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Classic wooden wall panels with a telephone and a list of emergency contact numbers.

© Zula Rabikowska - It's normal to wear slippers at home. This is my grandad's favourite pair.

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It's normal to wear slippers at home. This is my grandad's favourite pair.

© Zula Rabikowska - My old bedroom. Repainted.

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My old bedroom. Repainted.

© Zula Rabikowska - My grandad's old VHS.

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My grandad's old VHS.

© Zula Rabikowska - There is a stereotype that Polish people are hypochondriacs. This is my grandad's cupboard.

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There is a stereotype that Polish people are hypochondriacs. This is my grandad's cupboard.

© Zula Rabikowska - Mosquitos have been equally present during communism as they are during capitalism.

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Mosquitos have been equally present during communism as they are during capitalism.

© Zula Rabikowska - My grandad's shorts.

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My grandad's shorts.

© Zula Rabikowska - Unlike the kitchen, the bathroom was last renovated in the early 90s.

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Unlike the kitchen, the bathroom was last renovated in the early 90s.

© Zula Rabikowska - Essential element of daily life in small country Poland.

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Essential element of daily life in small country Poland.

© Zula Rabikowska - My grandad in the attic.

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My grandad in the attic.

My Grandad's House by Zula Rabikowska