Presenting large-scale images of Russia’s expansive and desolate borders, photographer Maria Gruzdeva dissects notions of national identity in a post-Soviet landscape. Now based in London, the distance from her homeland has allowed the photographer to further examine this subject from a broader scope through the series ““BORDER – A journey along the edges of Russia”. With 60,000km of territory to work with, each of Gruzdeva’s photos reveal a distinct side to Russia’s outskirts. Included in the project are pages from the photographer’s personal journal, each adding to the rich narrative that seeks personal identity within the most isolated and solitary areas.
As the Russian aesthetic continues to dominate art and fashion communities alike, this series of mostly tranquil imagery (save for the balaclava-wearing, gun-toting soldier) provides a sharp contrast to the usual image the rest of the world is often fed. Absent is the crowd of edgy, Gosha-sporting youth, full of attitude and effortless cool. Instead, we are given an idyllic view that aims to highlight the country’s immense area as well as its geographic diversity. The environments switch from snow-filled and rural to blue-skied and mountainous. As a whole, the series reads like a road trip that travels along Russia’s twisting borders and makes pit stops along the way. It’s a long winding journey towards self-discovery.
Maria Gruzdeva’s BORDER is published by Schilt Publishing, Amsterdam, and distributed by Thames & Hudson Ltd, London.
All images are courtesy of Maria Gruzdeva.