Belarus, shortly after regaining independence in 1991, returned to Soviet symbols and rhetoric with Aleksandr Lukashenka's first presidential election. The opposition was told to kip its mouth shut. In the search of freedom and better life young Belarusians come to Poland.
Some try to melt in Polish society - others underline their identity. My photos show people strongly associated with their country, Belarus, taking care of Belarusian culture and language, engaged in initiatives supporting Belarusian independence in Poland: Free Belarus Initiative, Belarusian House in Warsaw or working in Belsat Television. Portraits were created in their Warsaw homes, mostly rented, single rooms, sometimes in flats. Thanks to their openness and cordiality, I met another Belarus - a free, European one and at the same time returning to its roots, Belarus full of energy, hoping for change. Will there ever be a free Belarus?