Silver at the German Photobook Award, winner of the Belfast Photo-Book Award and other international nominations: "Where The Poplars Grow" by Irina Unruh receives worldwide recognition.
The book "Where The Poplars Grow" by Irina Unruh uses documentary photographs to tell a story of loss, origin, and the search for identity. Through her personal story of flight, expulsion, and home, the photographer not only reconstructs the history of German Russians but also symbolically conveys the feeling of inner turmoil that characterizes migration in general. As one flips through the pages, one becomes aware of both collective and individual memories, as well as their gaps.
"...The design of the book is a faithful echo and reinforcement of the memories captured and lost in the photographs. It is a poem, it is a memoir, it is a mystery. It is a book that reminds us that all too often: the past is as unpredictable as the future. "
– Sarah Leen
Silver at the German Photobook Award 2024/25
The jury of the German Photobook Award honored Where The Poplars Grow with silver – a recognition for outstanding design and content quality. The award is one of the most important accolades for photobooks in German-speaking countries and underscores the artistic and craftsmanship excellence of the project.
Winner Belfast Photo-Book Award 2025
In Northern Ireland, the book prevailed against strong international competition and won the Belfast Photo-Book Award. The award recognizes innovative and moving photographic works that open up new perspectives.
Shortlist Lucie Photo Book Prize, Los Angeles 2025
The photobook also received attention in the USA: its shortlisting for the Lucie Photo Book Prize in Los Angeles confirms the global resonance of the project. The Lucie Award is considered one of the most prestigious awards in the photography industry, highlighting works that impress with their artistic vision and social relevance.
Longlist of the Most Beautiful German Books 2025
The Buchkunst Foundation also honored "Where The Poplars Grow" and included the publication in the longlist of the Most Beautiful German Books 2025. This once again highlighted the book for its special design and conceptual quality.
We are delighted that this work, which builds bridges between past and present, is receiving such widespread acclaim worldwide.
Text: Luisa Voita
