Ever since moving abroad, I have been making periodic trips back home to Poland. Recently, while visiting my family, I strongly felt the passing of time.
About 15 years ago, my grandfather suffered a severe stroke, and my grandmother cared for him until it was no longer possible. She spent her time creating things: reworking leather jackets into bags, making plastic jewellery, and decorating boxes. When her older sister started selling eggs and jams at the local market, my grandmother saw a demand for seasonal decorations and started making them too.
She began purchasing various home decorations, textiles, and accessories, turning a coping mechanism into an obsession. She found peace in crafting her own decorations from cheap, disposable items and selling them at the market. Lured by bargain deals, she collected plastic bunnies, snowmen, baby Jesus figures, fake plants, traditional textiles, dead flowers, and bright ribbons. My grandmother tried to recreate aspects of Polish traditions dear to her using new mass-produced items. Raised Catholic, her wreaths focused on Christmas and Easter, connecting her with traditions from her home and childhood.
Besides her personal story, my grandmother’s creations metaphorically represent the lives of many from her generation. To me, her wreaths combine the new capitalist influences with nostalgia for the past, reflecting the system transition in her life that left her often confused.
Through these images, I wanted to share the playful element and childhood fun my grandmother holds onto, combined with the therapeutic influence of creation. Making these photos together felt like our old childhood play and escapism, where we would connect without discussing anything serious. Even though my grandmother doesn’t admit it, creating brings her joy and allows her to focus on the present.
At the beginning of 2022, my grandfather was admitted to a hospice and sadly passed away in the summer. Observing my grandmother now, I realise she does not know how to be still; she must be occupied to be present.
There is a new element of grief associated with my grandfather's passing. To some, the wreath symbolises death; to others, the circle of eternal life.
Visiting the cemetery, we discussed how there used to be no plastic flowers and how now they are ubiquitous. My grandmother appreciates their practicality, and since my grandfather’s passing, she has created a few bunches of fake flowers to decorate his grave.
Commissioned by Hapax Magazine, Issue 3 (Winter 2022/23)