Erazm Ciołek (photographer)

Erazm Ciołek (1927-2012) was a Polish photojournalist known for his documentation of key political and social events in post-war Poland, particularly during the Solidarity period. Ciołek was born in Vilnius, Lithuania (then part of Poland) and after World War II settled in Gdańsk, where he began his career in photography.

Ciołek's work is distinguished by its unflinching portrayal of everyday life under communist rule and his close proximity to the burgeoning Solidarity movement. He captured iconic images of strikes, demonstrations, and Lech Wałęsa, becoming a key visual chronicler of the movement's struggle for democracy. His photographs were widely disseminated, both within Poland and internationally, providing crucial evidence of the regime's suppression of dissent.

Following the imposition of martial law in 1981, Ciołek's work became even more significant, documenting the government's crackdown on Solidarity and the ongoing resistance. He faced persecution for his activities, including surveillance and detention.

After the fall of communism in 1989, Ciołek continued to work as a photographer, focusing on documenting Poland's transition to democracy. His extensive archive of photographs represents a valuable historical record of a pivotal period in Polish history. His work has been exhibited extensively and is included in numerous collections.