The book introduces us to the daily lives of the British working-class Loyalists as well as members of their illegal paramilitary groups. Recognised as terrorist organizations until recently, these associations still carry weight, sow fear, and control Northern Ireland.
The documentary brings to the fore the psychological state of siege which permeates working-class districts in Northern Ireland. The story also spotlights the atmosphere of despair which accompanies each successive generation – trapped socially and mentally in unprocessed conflict traumas from which they cannot escape.
Mariusz Śmiejek is an independent visual storyteller specializing in the raw narrative of human and social conditions. His documentary work in Europe and Africa explores post conflict communities, refugee and asylum seekers, child slavery, street children, human trafficking, victimized women, dangerous livelihoods, corruption and systemic abuse.
Awards 2024 - Kolga Tbilisi Photo, Shortlisted in category: One Shot. Georgia
2024 - Gomma Photography Grant, honorable mention. UK
2024 - Tokyo International Foto Awards, First prize in category: Book/People, Japan
2023 - Lucie Foundation Photo Book Prize, Finalist in category: Independent First Book,USA
2023 - Arts Council of Northern Ireland & The National Lottery, Grant for Ethnic Minority Mentoring & Residency Programme, UK
2023 - International Photography Awards, First prize in category: Book/People, USA
2023 - International Photography Awards, Top 5 jury selection, USA
2022 - Belfast Photo Festival, Shortlisted, UK & Ireland
2021 - Photography 4 Humanity Global Prize created by David Clark Cause with global partner United Nations Human Rights, Finalist, USA
2021 - World. Report Award. Documenting Humanity. Festival della Fotografia Etica - Shortlist in category: Spotlight. Italy
2020 - National Geographic Magazine Award, Poland, first prize in category: Human and water
2019 - Travel Award - NI Art Council
2019 - Monovision Photography Award, honorable mention in category: Portrait, series - London, UK
2018 - Grand Press Photo, Poland - second prize in category: Daily life, series
2018 - Grand Press Photo, Poland - shortlisted in category: Portrait
2017 - Grand Press Photo, Poland - second prize in category: People, series
2016 - The Other Hundred project - Educators - UK winner, Hong Kong, China
2015 - National Geographic Photo Contest, Polish edition - special mention
2014 - Northern Ireland story were Honorable Mentioned by Magnum Photos agency in photo competition in Fotofestiwal Lódz, Poland
2013 - Honorable Mentioned in Sony World Photography Awards competition, London, UK
2012 - A series of pictures were Honorable Mentioned in International Photography Award in Los Angeles, USA
2012 - First prize in National Geographic Magazine, documentary category
2011 - Second prize in National Geographic UK & Ireland
