Description
Sri Lanka is a tourist paradise, with the violent ethno-religious conflict between Sinhalese and Tamils looming in the background for decades. The fratricidal war has made Sri Lanka a country marked by blood and suffering. It is a war unaccounted for, one that has left a wounded nation, divided families, maimed people, and one that, though theoretically over, in practice continues for many islanders.
In September 2022, during the 8th Edition of the Frames of Photography Festival in Sopot, the premiere of the exhibition took place. Abandoned Daughters of the Tiger by Patrick Bulgak. This is a story about Tamil women, warriors, both those fighting on the frontline and beyond - rejected, marginalized by the state and the system. The story of women who continue to fight - for their right to exist with dignity, understanding and for a better life for their children. This is a story about women marked by the stigma of a brutal conflict, who despite their trauma were left without help, who continue to be harassed, so that even in their own country they will not find peace. Excluded, overlooked, unwanted, inconvenienced, still living in fear. This is the story of the Tigresses - women of war, after which the dust does not fall. The exhibition in 2022 was also presented in Berlin at the KIT Gallery, and then in 2023 in Warsaw at the Large Room Studio, Picture.doc, at Poznan's PixHouse Gallery and the At CCA Torun (group exhibition). From 8.09 to 15.12.2023 it can be viewed at Poprzeczna Gallery in Miechow.
In my work I pay special attention to the situation of women in the context of human rights. In my opinion, far too little is being done and said on this subject all the time, especially in Third World countries, where even basic human rights - to dignity and a dignified life, to freedom, security, respect for the private and family life, or education - Patryk Bulhak says. - Continuing the project, I want to once again draw attention to the extremely difficult situation of Tamil women in Sri Lanka and reach a wider audience with the message, hoping that their voice will be heard -. he adds.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: The author of the photos and the book is Patryk Bulhak, who in his photographic projects mainly focuses on human attitudes towards complex socio-cultural changes, in different parts of the world, as well as on the history of regions and its impact on the formation of contemporary human relations. He pays special attention to women and their situation, especially in the context of human rights.