Communism
& Cowgirls
Communism & Cowgirls investigates the New Russia, focusing on the first generation to grow up after the fall of communism. The young people enjoy freedoms that their parents did not. They are influenced by Western youth culture, have access to the internet, follow consumer lifestyle - and yet they are confused. The shadow of Communism still casts a spell from the past, and many young people are poor. And - true to the spirit of Communism - they still agitate against American capitalism. Yet they drink Coca Cola and wear the latest fashion as shown on MTV.
Quotes from students of the South Ural State University in Chelyabinsk.
Winner Dutch Photo Academy Award, 2004
”I’m proud of my country because it has its own national character. Of course, today there are many customs and traditions from other countries such as the USA and Great Britain. But we won’t forget our own history, because it has to be safeguarded for future generations.”
Shared dorm room
Chelyabinsk, Russia, 2003
Shared dorm room
Chelyabinsk, Russia, 2003
Shared dorm room
Chelyabinsk, Russia, 2003
”During the last years many people in Russia have become rather rude and unfriendly due to economic, political, social and many other difficulties. But in spite of all negative sides of the Russians, I think my nation is the best.”
Kurchatov monument
Chelyabinsk, Russia, 2003
Lenin Street
Chelyabinsk, Russia, 2003
Day of Victory
Chelyabinsk, Russia, 2003
”Russia has many smart people. Many scientists work in Russia despite their low wages. They constantly invent things that astonish the rest of mankind.”
Bus stop
Chelyabinsk, Russia, 2003
Shared dorm room
Chelyabinsk, Russia, 2003
”Friendships and relationships are important to Russian people. Anyone can go to a friend and speak about any problem he has. That’s why we don’t need as many psychologists.”
Tractor Factory
Chelyabinsk, Russia, 2003
Boarding school
Karabash, Russia, 2003
”Russian sportsmen are remarkable. They often win in different competitions all over the world.”
Metallurgical district
Chelyabinsk, Russia, 2003
Metallurgical district
Chelyabinsk, Russia, 2003
Metallurgical district
Chelyabinsk, Russia, 2003
”Young Russian men are courageous, patriotic and generous. I like the fact that they are funny and that they can always improve your mood, calm you down or give you hope.”
Graveyard
Chelyabinsk, Russia, 2003
Abandoned house
Argayash, Russia, 2003
Shared dorm room
Chelyabinsk, Russia, 2003
”I feel proud of my country and I love my country, because I’ve been living here ever since I was born. It is a powerful country, but now, due to the economic crisis and some problems it has lost its political power. But that is not going to last long.”
Kommunalka
Chelyabinsk, Russia, 2003
Private school
Chelyabinsk, Russia, 2003
”Nature in Russia is very beautiful but often people don’t treasure this beauty and pollute the environment.”
Abandoned house
Karabolka, Russia, 2003
Lake Karyer
Chelyabinsk, Russia, 2003
