Przemysław Kot: Men’s cloakroom | MONOVISIONS - Black & White Photography Magazine

MonoVisions Black & White Photo Contest 2024

Przemysław Kot’s photos from the “Men’s cloakroom” set present portraits of men of different ages, specifically employees of a carpentry workshop. In addition to the characters shown, the background also becomes a silent hero. The title men’s cloakroom is an intimate and hermetic world. This place is like a silent witness of situations from which we would normally prefer to look away … Photographs strike with a naturalistic or even brutal expression. We look into the eyes of people aware of being photographed. A red lamp lights up at the back of the head. So many times photography has become an instrument of objectification, stigmatization and consolidation of stereotypes. However, not in this case. The author builds a special relationship with his characters. This bond – based on trust, respect and empathy – is the power of communication that comes from his photos.

‘Men’s cloakroom’ was the Black & White Portrait Series of the Year 3rd place Winner in the MonoVisions Photography Awards 2020.