Bird in Flight Prize ‘21 Finalist: Niewybuch

Natalia Kepesz, Germany

“Niewybuch” gives an insight into the world of military camps and clubs, a phenomenon that has experienced a massive influx in Poland in recent years.

In addition to being taught military basics, children and young people are playfully indoctrinated in obedience and patriotism. Between fake blood, drill and the unreserved use of weapons, the work raises the question of the emotional effects of military education and addresses the tension between a child’s search for adventure and the excesses of the Polish military cult.