There is no solidarity without love

For many years Adam Bujak was St. John Paul II photographer

The Pontifical Council for Culture Per Artem ad Deum Medal Chapter resolved that this year's medal is bestowed upon Adam Bujak - the photography artist. The other laureate selected from among the four nominees is the Swiss architect Mario Botta. Adam Bujak can boast over 100 photo albums and posters and calendars. For several years Bujak captured and recorded Pope John Paul II life in photographs. This year's Targi Kielce's SACROEXPO will be able the showcase for the artist's works. "There is no solidarity without love" exhibition will be available to the public every day of the fair in the Expo Pavilion C.

The unique character of the artist's work is best presented in the interview recorded after Adam Bujak had been informed about winning the Medal.

I might have been a worse man

Interview with Adam Bujak - the 2014 Pontifical Council for Culture Per Artem ad Deum Medal Laureate

- What is the significance of the sacred for the arts?

- It has a great significance. I have recorded the sacred half a century. I have published over 130 albums and books in Poland and abroad. At various meetings people have been telling me that in a sense this brings them closer to God, that through my pictures they can see the beauty.

- Which elements of sacrum are the most inspiring for you as a photographer, ?

- I think the ones related to experiences. We have just published a book, me and my son show these beautiful experiences of the canonization. I am thinking about young people in particular. In a sense young people have seemed to move away from the Church , and we have observed the opposite phenomenon. I remember my being young, at that time these were mainly the elderly who would coma to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, now the vast of visitors are young people. They are attracted with the sacrum, they find it really crucial. We record all these solemn moments, the moments' sense is clearly imprinted on their faces.

- What did you feel on receiving the information the Pontifical Council for Culture Medal?

- I found it a wonderful thing. It is like a confirmation of what I have been questing, i.e. sacrum reinforcement. The Vatican found it proper too. This is a gratitude for the work I have done.

- Which of the recent events do you think has influenced the image of sacred art and culture most strongly?

- I think all the events associated with John Paul II, but also ones related to Pope Benedict and Pope Francis. The magnitude of these great characters is thus demonstrated. When you look at photographs you see young people's head rising up. This is amazing. Many times I been really close to the Pope. I remember John Paul II celebrating the Holy Mass in Toronto, there were hundreds of thousands of young girls and boys in front of the altar. Behind us there was Lake Ontario; and although it was unbearably hot - 28 degrees there were no people bathing in the lake. Everyone was carefully looking at "the grandpa", the Holy Father John Paul II. They had all come to meet him, to learn more about Christ, about faith, about the good He has presented to us.

- How has John Paul II teaching and close contact with the Pope your photographic art?

- Certainly they must have had influence, but I do not look at the sheer art of photography, I look at what he has given me, how he influenced me. I might have been a worse man We know that everyone is a sinner, but the Pope guarded us against evil. It is very important to me. Pope guarded us against gender. We are said to be intolerant. People who are trying to devastate a young man, who intend to teach about sex when kids are only four years old are truly intolerant. These things I cannot accept. John Paul II was and Pope Francis is now guarding us against everything the iffy issues. They have been such a question mark. We ask ourselves where we are heading to.

Thank you for the interview.
Justyna Wrona, Radio Em.