The series is an exploration of parallels between; nuclear weaponry, launch facilities and personnel of the USSR and USA. The still lifes provide a humanized view, contrasting with media coverage. Likewise the portraits are of ex ICBM crews in their chosen environments. Working in opposition in similar environments they provided the structure for the Mexican Standoff that defined this period of all our lives. They are the result of my own exploration of my childhood fascination of secrecy and my adult need to explain the multiperspectivity that makes up the real nature of this psychological war. The book reflects this with titles and introduction in English and Russian. My work scrutinizes history in objects and people. Rather than considering the images of the time I believe we can see truer stories by examining the traces left on objects themselves and on the psychology of protagonists. Answers are in the details. The book can be seen on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEO2GebFvCI
My work focuses primarily on identity and heritage. Seeking a deeper understanding of history I examine objects and people in detail and use the reflection of today to glean unusual perspectives on the past. I use both still life and portrait genres for personal documentary work. This series was shot on Wista 8x10in - Kodak 160nc film. My influences include Simon Norfolk, Edmund Clarke, Charlie Crane, Roger Fenton and other large format film documentary photographers.
