In “Disappearing Circus” Rafał Milach portrayed retired circus artists at places, where some of them had been working for over 30 years.
“Circus used to be one of the most popular mass entertainments of communist time in Poland. Artists who performed in the circus at the time were heroes beloved by crowds. At their glory days, Polish circus artists worked for the biggest and the most prestigious circuses all over the world. They all came from circus school in Julinek, which was considered one of the best in the central-eastern European region. Since 90-ties Julinek has been slowly dying. The circus base that employed up to 1500 artists and technician workers was closed due to financial problems. I portrayed retired artists who worked in circus for 20-50 years.” - Rafał Milach
Retired circus artist Henryka Sawicka (67). She performed as roller-skater acrobat. She has been working in circus for 25 years. © Rafał Milach
Ropes in old storage hall for circus equipment © Rafał Milach
Jozef Maksymiuk (59) posing for portrait in ballet dancer disguise in his house. For most of his 25-year career, he had been performing as a clown. He has been retired for 8 years. © Rafał Milach
Retired circus artist Mieczyslaw Grzebieniowski (77). He performed as rifleman. After finishing artistic career he worked as a teacher at circus school. He is already retired more than 20 years. © Rafał Milach
Jozef Maksymiuk (59) posing for portrait in ghost disguise in his house. For most of his 25-year career he had been performing as a clown. He has been retired for 8 years. © Rafał Milach
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#Rafał Milach #Disappearing Circus
