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EASTERN SIBERIA: Former Sanitorium, Sludyanka
2004 - 2005
Simon Roberts
Photographer Simon Roberts spent about a year, between 2004-5, taking photographs in Russia. (His map is to the left.) All around, I'd say the images are documentary, although there are many subsets of image types. From landscapes, to portraits, to "moments," Mr. Roberts captures a breathtaking and rather eerie Russia.
I purchased the book form of this collection at my favorite book store earlier in the summer, while visiting my sister in Austin, TX. I've always had a curiosity about Russia, (Trans-Siberian rail, here I come!) and really adore this work. It definitely quenches my curiosities, yet it allows the place to remain mysterious. Motherland has become one of my favorite books. The best part of it is, it's super hearty. If you ever come across it, give yourself plenty of time! You'll not only get to look at tons of beautiful photography, but learn a bit about the country that you never knew before, and get glimpses of the tiniest towns.... here are some screen shots of the book images that I found on SR's website... (...my favs were not in the selection on the site, but these are lovely as well...)
NORTHWESTERN REGION: Apartment Blocks, Murmansk
FAR EAST: Entrance to the Food Market, Khabarovsk 
NORTHERN CAUCASUS: Meat Market, Pyatigorsk
FAR EAST: Sasha and Galina Namakonova, Alexandrovosk-Sakhalinsky, Sakhalin Island
Yesterday, my friend and I were walking down Beverly Boulevard with the intentions of going to Milk for a delicious baked morsel. On our way, however, I spied this photo-morsel through the window of Stephen Cohen gallery, and pulled my friend in with me.
Sara, Icelandair
40" x 40" 2006
The image I saw turns out to be from a solo exhibition by artist Brian Finke. While the photograph Sara, Icelandair receives front-and-center treatment because it is the biggest and most beautiful piece (of course), there are some other beauts in the show. I found the more contemporary depictions of flight attendants less interesting than those that reflected the days of the "air hostess." The images of the more carefully groomed and uniformed women flight attendants made me think about that very strange intersection of time and circumstance in the story of feminism. Being an air hostess offered women a career and a life of traveling and independence--while on the other side of the coin they were expected to conform to the modelesque image of the ideal modern Woman. I even remember once reading in an in-flight magazine (of all places!) that air hostess positions were framed by airlines themselves as giving women the best opportunity to meet [rich] businessmen--i.e. potential husbands...
This is the first installment of art morsel! And, literally, it is a morsel. A photograph by Lynelle Miliate, of a meal she ate in Vietnam...
Vietnam: Dinner, originally uploaded by bnelle.
EASTERN SIBERIA: Former Sanitorium, Sludyanka
Photographer Simon Roberts spent about a year, between 2004-5, taking photographs in Russia. (His map is to the left.) All around, I'd say the images are documentary, although there are many subsets of image types. From landscapes, to portraits, to "moments," Mr. Roberts captures a breathtaking and rather eerie Russia.
NORTHWESTERN REGION: Apartment Blocks, Murmansk
FAR EAST: Entrance to the Food Market, Khabarovsk 
NORTHERN CAUCASUS: Meat Market, Pyatigorsk
FAR EAST: Sasha and Galina Namakonova, Alexandrovosk-Sakhalinsky, Sakhalin Island
