Polite Fish (2015)
The core of the project is a research into the interplay between the Russian and Asian cultures historically coexisting on the territories of the Russian Far East. The problem of identity for a Russian living in the Primorsky Krai is that the more one emphasizes one’s «Russian-ness», the more one starts to resemble their Asian neighbor, for whom this Russian is often the first experience of a cultural «Other.»
The author identifies the pressure points in the exchanges between the two cultures as well as their mutual influence on one another in moments of encounter on border territories. The phenomenon of the «polite fish» — a situation of contradictions between two opposite poles, two sides of the same coin, highlighting the difference between an external show of politeness and the internalized wariness inherent to the Asian world.
The project was created in ZARYA Artist-in-Residence
Makarych and Vladimir. Raven and the teacher of the art camp near the city of Nakhodka
Elena and Mikhail. A young mother on a walk in a park of Vladivostok
Ivan and Roger. Daily meditation on the blossoming lotuses in a small settlement near the city of Arteym
Koryo, Ussuriysk, «Izumrudnaya Dolina». The ensemble of the Korean dances which consists of the «Russian» Korean elderly women
Pyotr and Dmitriy. Oarsmen of boats of the class «Dragon» — a mass sport in Primorsky Krai
Yana and Diana. Children in the state encampment for youths, Primorsky Krai
Livadiya, «Dream. Traditional training of Kyokushin kaikan karate in a camp near the city of Nakhodka
Komarova hill, «Zelyoniy Ugol». The market of Asian cars which fell into decay against typical a residential development of the Russian city
Ylulia. A housewife practicing qigong on the embankment of Vladivostok
Lee A.K. Officer of the Russian Pacific fleet
Anna. The girl shows her tattoos that combine Asian and Russian motives
Quay, Japan Sea. Teenagers on the embankment of Ussuri Bay in Vladivostok
Documentation
Additional images, please contact me for pdf
