honorable mention
Roman Makhmutov russian federation
title
Arkaim
Every year, at the day of the solstice at June 22th, up to 15.000 people visits Arkaim. Every person have his own motives for visiting.
Author visits Arkaim and study this sociocultural phenomenon since 2005.
Project goal: to research diversity of beliefs and value systems of members of modern society, gathered by their own free will at one time in one physical space, which is not an entertaining touristic attraction, or an officially recognized place of religious piligrimiage.
01: People waiting for the sunrise on the so-called Shaman Hill.
02: Small totem made by visitor. Some people making wishes while doing special actions, like constructing totems.
03: Staff's belongings laying near to reconstruction on excavation of ancient settlement. This is the only real excavation that can be observed by visitors for extra payment.
04: Natalia, first time. Came from Orsk city. “I’m in quest of new knowledge, something interesting. Communicating with people. I’ve got a boost of energy, no weariness at all.”
05: Usif, Sibay. Fifth time here. “I’ve got a calm attitude. I like the place. There’s energy here. Despite the fact I’m on my feet all day long, without sleep, I still have my strengths. I even have some for chicks.”
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entry description
Arkaim is a fortified settlement, dated to III-II century B.C. It was discovered in USSR in 1987. A few years after discovery, Soviet Union has dessoluted, and in Russa widely spreaded many pseudoscientific, esotericistic and nationalistic teachings. Many of them, including local representatives of traditional religions, chose Arkaim as the evidentiary basis. Due to this, this historical landmark has gained wide popularity as mystical "place of power". Touristic business came to area, too.Every year, at the day of the solstice at June 22th, up to 15.000 people visits Arkaim. Every person have his own motives for visiting.
Author visits Arkaim and study this sociocultural phenomenon since 2005.
Project goal: to research diversity of beliefs and value systems of members of modern society, gathered by their own free will at one time in one physical space, which is not an entertaining touristic attraction, or an officially recognized place of religious piligrimiage.
01: People waiting for the sunrise on the so-called Shaman Hill.
02: Small totem made by visitor. Some people making wishes while doing special actions, like constructing totems.
03: Staff's belongings laying near to reconstruction on excavation of ancient settlement. This is the only real excavation that can be observed by visitors for extra payment.
04: Natalia, first time. Came from Orsk city. “I’m in quest of new knowledge, something interesting. Communicating with people. I’ve got a boost of energy, no weariness at all.”
05: Usif, Sibay. Fifth time here. “I’ve got a calm attitude. I like the place. There’s energy here. Despite the fact I’m on my feet all day long, without sleep, I still have my strengths. I even have some for chicks.”
about the photographer
Roman Makhmutov born in 1984 in Soviet Russia, he is study photography since high school. Roman leading local educational photo class, and highly interested in contemporary art and photography. His true passion is use of artifical lighting on location.back to gallery