Artist Marek Wykowski Captures Poland's Desolate Industrial Zone

Near-forgotten neighborhoods, lonely figures, relics from the past – in his Silesian Ballad series, Polish photographer Marek Wykowski explores an area of Europe that belongs to a different era – an era where Poland’s mining industry was in full bloom. A sense of secrecy, thought-provoking emptiness and underlying gravitas permeate his work. We speak to Wykowski about Silesian Ballad (pictured), life and philosophy.

How did you being your career as an artist?

MW: I started photographing some 10 years ago, without prior education so it took some time to figure things out. I am a landscape photographer who got fascinated by portraiture, so I always look at the landscape first and then try to place a person in it.

What do you care about the most when taking photographs?

Tell us about the Silesian Ballad series.

I was born in Krakow, 100km from the Upper Silesia industrial area. My mother is from Silesia, so we used to go there to meet our family from time to time. As a child I was always fascinated by this strange and so different world that was nowhere else to find. This place has a great lyrical appeal to me.

How would you describe the current photography landscape in Poland?

I do not know much about Polish photography. From what I can see the majority of the photography scene in Poland concentrates on photojournalism and likes. If you want to do some conceptual work then you will probably be better off in London or NYC. The only name that comes to my mind is Anna Ostoya who has been included in the MoMA New Photography show two years ago. Although I guess there must be some other talented artists in Poland, it’s just that they get little exposure in the media.

Tell us your favourite book (and it doesn’t have to be about photography!).

My favourite book is The Cinnamon Shops (Sklepy Cynamonowe) by Bruno Schulz although I do not think this book has been translated into any foreign language.

Is there a city, country or place that inspires you every time you’re there?

I would say Morocco is such a country. It’s so full of poetic stories and all is lit by the beautiful Saharan light.

What’s the single most valuable piece of advice you ever got?

Things are not either black or white, good or bad, true or false, right or wrong. There are hundreds shades of grey in between and all depends on the circumstances.

All images © Marek Wykowski

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.