Poignant Portraits Of Retired Polish Clowns

(Images Via Rafal Milach)

The saying “once a clown, always a clown” aptly describes the art of clowning because it comes straight from the heart for those who see it as more than just an outfit to wear while twisting balloons.

For over 40 years those who wanted to study clowning in Poland went to the Julinek school, which operated like a giant circus in the middle of Kampinoski National Park. The park has been closed for over a decade now, and many of the clowns who once squeaked around the school are now retired as well.

Photographer Rafal Milach captures poignant portraits of these retired Polish clowns in their homes, and occasionally in the ruins of the school itself, in a series called "Disappearing Circus" which is full of raw emotion and just a touch of creepiness.

-Via AnimalNY