don't mess with texas

Series "Don't mess with Texas" by two Polish photographers Michał Jędrzejowski and Tomasz Liboska touches almost unknown and almost forgotten part of Polish history, well, specificly Silesian history, showing to the daylight descendads of Silesian emigrants living today in Texas in cities with Polish names, like Panna Maria (Virgin Mary). 

We set off to Texas in 2009, 155 years after the first wave of the Silesian exile. We came to the Panna Maria – the first Polish parish on the American mainland. We visited homes, schools, churches and bars. We were looking for Moczygęba, Labus, and Janysk. We found Texans: jeans, cowboy boots, Republican views and the all-pervasive “Don’t Mess with Texas”. We learned their stories, and heard tales ancient and modern of the homeland. Each one is a multigenerational saga interwoven with sorrow, but also a sense of joy and fulfillment. Among our heroes there are farmers, businessmen, clergymen, musicians, and writers. Who are the descendants of the Silesian pioneers today? We couldn’t find an answer. We don’t need one.

Michał Jędrzejowski, Tomasz Liboska

Michał Jędrzejowski & Tomasz Liboska – both professionally linked with photography, working together since 2008. Many times awarded: project "Warriors" received Ist award at Grand Press Photo 2008. "Don't mess with Texas" series reached final at GPP 2010. 

"Don't mess with Texas" since tomorrow will be presented in Old Wire Factory in Gliwice (PL)