the palace

The palace in the park across from my grandparents farm. Over one hundred years old, the palace was once occupied by Polish and German nobility in early 20th century before being taken over by Nazi's during war occupied Poland (WWII). The land on which this palace lies, was once part of Germany and today is now Poland (the German border is less than 45 minutes away). After the Second World War, the palace became a community centre and communist office where people were given tickets for their food rations. My grandparents had their wedding in the palace 55 years ago. Today, the walls are crumbling to the ground. Touching the bricks and mortar, everything crumbles in your hand to a fine sand. Shortly the mortar and bricks won't be able to hold much weight. With every downpour and gust of wind, pieces of the roof fall to the ground.

I tried to apply the latex on surfaces of the palace, but everything underneath kept crumbling. It was such a frightening yet breathtaking experience to be in a once fortified building with a rich history that stands today like a delicate sand castle, collapsing under the touch of my fingertip.

One of the basement entrances to the palace. Behind me (I am in the plaid) is my assistant (cousin) carrying the latex.