The reportage by Grażyna Hanaf, with photographs by Krzysztof Gwizdała, will appear in issue 34 of „Polityka”, published on Wednesday. It offers a look at Gliniada and the people who parade in original clay costumes, as well as a description of the Glinoludów procession during Berlin’s Carnival of Cultures.
– I wrote this reportage for IstotneInformacje.pl – says the text’s author Grażyna Hanaf. – Krzysztof took the photographs for it. During one meeting with friends from outside Bolesławiec, I showed them the text to explain what Gliniada is. They then suggested sending the material to „Polityka”. It is professionally satisfying for me that the text and photographs were accepted by a nationwide weekly, and at the same time it is a message to our readers that the materials published here are of a high standard.
– The most important thing, however, is that I wrote this text fascinated by the people who take part in the Glinoludów parade. I saw them live for the first time in Berlin. Watching their preparations, the energy radiating from them and their uniqueness, I thought that there are very few texts describing this phenomenon. Discussions about Gliniada focus on whether it is good promotion for the city, whom exactly it promotes or whether it is an artistic activity. No one tries to describe this phenomenon. Why do a hundred people cover themselves in clay, spending time devising an original outfit, and then present themselves before an audience? – Hanaf says.
– In the reportage, I presented several Glinoludy who made the greatest impression on me, and whose descriptions also constitute my perspective on Gliniada. This text would not have come into being without the photographs Krzysztof took. He has a good reporter’s eye. His photographs convey the detachment of an attentive observer who captures a scene at the moment when something intriguing or especially lively is happening. In this way, his work tells stories, and each time the model, the life and the protagonist of the story are in the foreground. Krzysztof has a talent for showing others, rather than himself, in a photograph. This is an exceptional quality, essential to creating a good reportage – the text’s author adds. – Finally, all that remains is for me to encourage you to read our material in „Polityka” and take part in Gliniada.
(information ii)