Just Like Us

Karolina Jonderko

Karolina Jonderko

Karolina Jonderko (1985). Member of Napo Images. Graduate of Photography at the Cinematography Department of the Film School in Łódź. She concentrates on long-term projects. Most of them deal with the phenomenon of loss and its consequences, which we can find in the series Self-Portrait with Mother, Lost, Reborn, and Little Poland. Drawing on her own experiences, the author broadens her perspective to include other people struggling with the problem of loss: of their loved ones, a place or identity. In her art, she pays great attention to building a personal bond with her characters.

Laureate of numerous prestigious awards, e.g. World Press Photo 2021 and Magnum & Ideas Tap Award, which earned her an internship in the editorial staff of Magnum Photos Agency in New York City.

Just Like Us

Karolina Jonderko

Who are these people?
To get to know them you have to come closer. Stand face to face. Listen to them. Look them in the eye. And then you will see… yourself.

Is it merely a reflection of the face you know so well or is it something more? Perhaps it is someone else? Perhaps the story you are reading sounds familiar. Perhaps it is also your story?

I wanted you, the viewer of this exhibition, to try to stand together with those who are experiencing crises and mental disorders; to see your own reflections in these stories.

Mental crises affect most of us but, as these stories indicate, a crisis does not always mean the end. On the contrary, it is usually a beginning. Each photographed person describes their struggle with mental illness in their own words. The protagonists of the exhibition decided to share the stories of their crises in order to help others recognise them well in time.

Statistics say that every fourth Pole has mental issues. This means that a mental crisis can happen to any of us, at any time of our lives. Talking publicly about how common it is is is crucial to the healing process. The earlier you seek help, the sooner you recognise the symptoms, the better your chances of making a full recovery and avoiding a tragedy.

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