Description
Not Surrendering brings us closer to an almost completely unknown social group that has been marginalized by British politicians, the royal family and the mainstream media for various reasons. The photographer, through determination and patiently gaining trust in a very hermetic environment, during more than a decade of observation, managed to create a unique picture of the daily life of British loyalists.
Book Not Surrendering is a visual tale of loyalists' struggle for their own identity in post-conflict Northern Ireland. The documentary narrative introduces us to the daily life of the British working class and the members of its illegal paramilitary groups, until recently considered terrorist organizations that still enjoy a reputation, sow fear and control the province.
In addition, by focusing on the registration of the space in which the book's characters live and the peculiarities of the "architecture of the cage," designed to separate the British from the Irish, the photographs also highlight the psychological state of siege of the residents of Northern Ireland's working class neighborhoods. The story also illustrates the atmosphere of hopelessness accompanying successive generations trapped morally and mentally in the unprocessed traumas of the past, from which they fail to free themselves.
The book is intended to bring knowledge of the integration processes of post-conflict societies that are divided along territorial, national and religious lines. It highlights the problems associated with the difficulties faced by non-governmental projects focused on working with difficult youth from families directly involved in the conflict, who are recruited into paramilitary organizations or organized crime groups.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, which ended the conflict in Northern Ireland, and it is an ideal time to emphasize the importance of the time it takes to work in post-conflict areas to try to restore stability to community life.
The introduction to the book was prepared by journalist and author Malahi O'Doherty. Photo selection and editing was done by Régina Monfort, freelance photo editor, specializing in building visual narratives in long-term documentary projects. Graphic design and layout was prepared by Iwona El-Tanbouli Jablonska, Art director of National Geographic Poland, co-founder of F11 Studio.