ProfiLab TIFF Open
Steps
"Steps" is an intimate story of Mateusz Kowalik, which limits its view
to a few close people and through that becomes a classic and universal
story about a contemporary family.
She comes quietly, unnoticed. Insolently sits in a stranger’s living room and calls everybody. Says that she is going to stay, doesn’t know how long. Since that moment, she is going to define the life of the whole family. With a thick glass separates an innocent person from reality She takes sleep away, instead providing time for thought and sadness. Close ones receive fear, helplessness for her. She forces difficult decisions, but also a fight with one’s weaknesses. Months go by, and she is getting stronger, feeding on passing time. She does not react to remedies, is not cured by determination and sacrifices.
Then, a seemingly normal morning comes. The mind is clouded with half-slept night, but the sight is sharp and bright. Finally, a first clear thought appears.
It’s a story from the boiling point. You can’t put it into perspective, look at it without hands shaking and eyes hurting. It’s a microstory, a piece of a very personal experience, you can’t hide from behind the camera and film. There’s a beginning, middle and end. There’s misunderstanding, anxiety, anticipation and a moment of relief – like Carver’s short story, without an unnecessary paragraph.
“Steps” is an intimate story of Mateusz Kowalik, which limits its view to a few close people and through that becomes a classic and universal story about a contemporary family.
Mateusz Kowalik – lives and works in Warsaw. He works with photography in a creative agency. Privately fascinated by documentary photography. Until recently, he has focused on travelling photography on a blog. Currently works on long term projects. In the fall he is going to participate in workshops as part of the 5th edition of Sputnik Photos Mentorship Programme (2016/2017)
Beata Bartecka (Miligram) – graduated from University of Wroclaw, faculty of Cultural Studies, specialization – artistic culture. Since graduation she has been directly involved in artistic and cultural effort, mainly as Miligram – a platform organizing multidisciplinary projects, and a publishing house focusing on niche publications. In constant collaboration with BWA Wroclaw, Muzeum Pana Tadeusza, and Osrodek Postaw Tworczych [trans. Center for Creative Initiatives] – as a communication, marketing and PR consultant. When she cannot be found working, she is reading and writing.
Mateusz Kowalik
Steps / ProfiLab TIFF Open
Curator: Beata Bartecka
1 – 11 September 2016
IP Studio
46a Ruska Street , 3rd Floor, Wroclaw
