On a trip back to my hometown, Gdynia, I revisited locations that had been crucial to my experience of girlhood, and I quickly found myself spiraling into a state of reminiscence... Reflecting on all the quintessential aspects of this period of my adolescence—the highs and lows alike—I felt prompted to explore the concept of girlhood as a universal experience.

I asked myself: What is this mystical and messy, serene yet chaotic period, and how has it been portrayed through the medium of photography?

"Girlhood," as depicted in the mid-20th century, seems to highlight a dreamy ideal filled with delicate and innocent moments—stereotypical pastimes of young girls, such as making friendship bracelets or braiding hair. In contrast, contemporary representations focus on the minutiae of reality: bruised legs, chipped nail polish, and messy hair. As a socio-cultural concept, the idea of girlhood has evolved to depict a variety of lived experiences, and this project seeks to showcase yet another dimension of this expansive era of youth.

The black-and-white photo series Girlhood attempts to capture a surreal and ethereal atmosphere, with a dreamlike quality reminiscent of Polish photographer Edward Hartwig’s work from the 1940s. And yet, Girlhood portrays a juxtaposition. An aura inspired by Hartwig’s idyllic visions of angelic young women frolicking in nature is paired with stark suburban surroundings—the serenity of girlhood set against a backdrop of cookie-cutter homes, rows of parked cars, and monotony.