The Disappearing Circus by Rafal Milach, a photographer and book artist based in Warsaw, Poland, is a photo series capturing portraits of retired circus performers. Although mainly documenting clowns, a roller skater acrobat, gun-man, orchestra conductor and magician also make an appearance. A poignant series, these clowns and performers are shot in their home or by the ruins of the school they once trained in, Julinek, which once operated in the middle of Kampinoski National Park until it closed over a decade ago.
Through the photo series Disappearing Circus by Rafal Milach, people are shown that such a profession doesn't disappear with its playground. Instead, it lives on in the hearts of its performers. Raw and slightly creepy, the images will speak to many.
Retired Clown Portraits
Disappearing Circus by Rafal Milach is Emotionally Raw and Slightly Creepy
Trend Themes
1. Retired Circus Performers - Opportunity for new forms of entertainment and storytelling that honor the legacy of retired circus performers.
2. Portraits in Unconventional Settings - Opportunity for photographers to capture emotional and impactful portraits by placing subjects in unexpected locations.
3. Preserving Cultural History - Opportunity to document and preserve the stories and traditions of disappearing industries and professions, like the circus.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - Photographers can explore new ways to capture emotion and tell stories through unconventional portrait settings.
2. Entertainment - The entertainment industry can create new avenues for honoring the legacy of retired circus performers through performances and exhibitions.
3. Cultural Preservation - Organizations specializing in cultural preservation can focus on documenting and archiving the stories and traditions of disappearing industries, like the circus.