Jan Klos

Jan J. Klos (b.1984) is a Polish born photographer whose work explores communities, societies and the complexities of human behavior. He specializes in portraiture and documentary. His work has been featured in publications worldwide and his current client list includes: The Telegraph Magazine, Newsweek Poland, Wallpaper* Magazine, Metropolitan Magazine, N by Norwegian Magazine and Dalstonist Magazine. His work has been exhibited in solo and group shows at venues across the UK, including MAC Birmingham, Quad Derby, Lighthouse Wolverhampton, cueB Gallery London, Four Corners London, FUSE Bradford, Oriel Colwyn, Wales and Napier University in Edinburgh. Today we share his series Dependants.

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Grandmother's Place, April 2012, Krakow, Lesser Poland”

Grandmother in her bedroom, April 2012, Krakow, Lesser Poland

Dependants

In the modern world it is easy to forget religion. Where we once consulted God for guidance, we now turn to science for answers. Where communities and friendships were once established in places of worship, we can now develop relationships online.

With each passing Census, results show that many religions are fast losing followers as nations become increasingly secular. Even those that declare themselves affiliated with a particular faith rarely practice or take part in ceremonies or rituals. Poland, however, is one country of the modern world that claims over 80% of the population are Catholic – a figure that makes Poland one of the most religiously devout countries in Europe.

Shrine No.1,  March 2012, Krakow, Lesser Poland

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Ada visiting Jewish cementary, March 2012, Krakow, Lesser Poland

Born, baptized and raised in Krakow, my younger years were very much focussed on attending masses, learning religious teachings and taking part in religious events. My faith in God – like that of many of my childhood friends – was the result of an unquestioned belief that was forcibly inherited from parents and grandparents. It did not come from within. Many times I wanted to believe in God and experience a spiritual understanding at each mass and in every reading, but I soon learnt that my attempts were only to make others proud.

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Still life on the top of the piano, March 2012, Krakow, Lesser Poland”

Mateusz and Henryk in their flat, March 2012, Krakow, Lesser Poland

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In recent years, I have come to believe that religion is simply another word for tradition – something that is learnt and practiced without question, however silly it may appear to the outsider. Returning to Poland an atheist, it is amazing to see how strong Catholicism still is and the central role it plays in the lives of the people of Poland. While the rest of the Western world slowly rejects religion, the Catholic faith in Poland that I knew growing up remains unchanged. This is a small story of the people of Poland who continue to believe.

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Vestry 1 April 2012, Saint Agnes Church,  Krakow, Lesser Poland

Untitled, March 2012, Krakow, Lesser Poland

To view more of Jan’s work, please visit his website