honorable mention
Justin Barton united kingdomPhoto © Justin Barton
title
Max, 26 Republic of Congo (from the series COLD WAR)
Transplanted to icy plains from the merciless heat of their homelands, most arrive without speaking a word of a taxing language and have to endure rigorous physical and mental challenges. For a few, the opportunities appear more attractive than at home, but many are not volunteers and the Russian environment is renowned as tough, isolated and at times hostile.
My most recent projects investigate the Cold War, by its nature a psychological event. Whilst its history can be explored from many perspectives it cannot and could not be objectively photographed. This is not merely because of the passage of time and secrecy, but also because at its core are our tribal values and subjective mental states. However, I believe its effects and continuing narratives can be questioned and my photography works to capture these disappearing moments.
@barton_justin
justinbarton.co.uk
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entry description
Since the 1960’s, Russia has taken recruits from countries in Africa including Angola, Congo and Mozambique to train them to fly helicopters.Transplanted to icy plains from the merciless heat of their homelands, most arrive without speaking a word of a taxing language and have to endure rigorous physical and mental challenges. For a few, the opportunities appear more attractive than at home, but many are not volunteers and the Russian environment is renowned as tough, isolated and at times hostile.
about the photographer
My work's focus is identity and heritage. Seeking a deeper understanding of history I examine objects closely to highlight the traces of their past and make environmental portraits to illuminate the current life of the protagonists. I use the reflection of today to glean unusual perspectives on the past and I believe we can use this process to talk about our contemporary mindsets.My most recent projects investigate the Cold War, by its nature a psychological event. Whilst its history can be explored from many perspectives it cannot and could not be objectively photographed. This is not merely because of the passage of time and secrecy, but also because at its core are our tribal values and subjective mental states. However, I believe its effects and continuing narratives can be questioned and my photography works to capture these disappearing moments.
@barton_justin
justinbarton.co.uk
back to gallery