Tori Ferenc

A blend of documentary and staged photography, Homecoming is a narrative exploring the experience of adolescence in a small town in Poland. The project is heavily influenced by my own memories and inspired by coming-of-age stories in literature and film, with a particular focus on the female experience. It delves into the universal theme of growing up and the awkwardness of being on the cusp of adulthood.

As teenagers, we are constantly navigating the in-between – no longer children but not yet fully adults. We are caught in a liminal space, searching for our place in the world and trying to figure out who we are. This process can be difficult and confusing, as we grapple with the expectations and demands of society, the pressure to fit in, and the uncertainty of the future.  

The feeling of being caught between two worlds – of not quite belonging in either place – is a common aspect of adolescence, and it is something I know all too well as an immigrant. I left Poland for London almost ten years ago, and I often feel like a stranger in my homeland, yet not quite at home in England. This sense of displacement is a theme that runs throughout the project, reflecting the complexities and uncertainties of growing up.

This ongoing project features candid portraits of teenagers as they navigate the challenges of adolescence, as well as more stylized and symbolic imagery that speaks to the universal themes of identity and belonging. Whether it’s the awkwardness of new experiences, the pain of heartbreak, or the joy of friendship, Homecoming celebrates the full range of emotions that come with growing up.