The symphony of the incompatible: Russia as seen by a German photographer

"I remember my elder brother's school books that were full of collective farm tractors and proud pioneers in front of memorials."

"I remember my elder brother's school books that were full of collective farm tractors and proud pioneers in front of memorials."

Frank Herfort
Frank Herfort from Berlin traveled 4 years across Russia, capturing some unobvious moments of everyday life.
Herfort's works pay particular attention to post-Soviet architecture, especially buildings put up in the 1990s.
Herfort published a range of photo books comprising selected works from his 4-year journey across the vastest country of the world.
"When I was a child, my mother often told how she took part in German-Soviet friendship trips to Lake Baikal," recalls Frank in interview with RBTH.
"Minimalism is out of favor in Russia. Everything expensive and beautiful should blaze and sparkle, be gold-plated and pretentious. Architecture is no exception."
"Only Moscow stands apart. People there are always on the go, more aggressive and money-minded. But I like people from the regions and from the capital."
Born in the GDR, photographer Frank Herfort has always been captivated by Russia and its people.
"Post-Soviet architecture is a total mixture of styles in whimsy colors. Too bad the crazy times are over. Russian projects today look the same as anywhere in the world - a bit boring."
During his stay in Russia Herfort had a chance to learn Russian.
"There's not much difference between the Russian regions. Russians everywhere are warm-hearted and welcoming."
Read more

This website uses cookies. Click here to find out more.

Accept cookies