The art of photography has the power to capture the essence of time, freezing moments, and places for eternity. In my latest photography series, I embarked on an unforgettable journey through former FSU countries to document abandoned Soviet architecture. This adventure allowed me to discover forgotten treasures that tell a fascinating story, both political and artistic.
Soviet architecture, characterized by its grandeur and utilitarianism, left a lasting imprint on many countries formerly under communist rule. However, over the years, many iconic buildings have been left abandoned, bearing witness to a bygone era. My journey took me to places such as Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and other former Soviet republics, where I was able to explore these forgotten remains.
Each building I have photographed tells a unique story. Brutalist-style monuments, dilapidated palaces, and clean-lined administrative buildings stand as silent witnesses to the past. The faded colors and crumbling structures create an almost surreal atmosphere, where time seems to stand still.
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The photographs in this series not only reflect the melancholy beauty of these sites, but they also capture the essence of the passage of time. Nature began to reclaim these buildings, giving rise to a strange harmony between nature and architecture. Vegetation grows through the cracks, trees pierce the roofs, and the sunlight creates shadows that highlight the tumultuous history of these places.
Abandoned Soviet architecture is a subject that touches on history, politics, and art. The photographs in this series seek to capture the soul of these buildings and recall their historical importance. They invite the viewer to reflect on the past, present, and future of these places while celebrating their beauty in decay.
When we stand in front of these abandoned monuments, we cannot help but feel a deep melancholy and a deep respect for the history that surrounds them. Abandoned Soviet architecture is a precious heritage, and through this series of photographs, I hope to give it the place it deserves in our collective memory. It is a silent witness to a bygone past, and I am honored to be able to capture it for future generations.
Sevan Writers House, Armenia
Since I was little, I have always been passionate about the conquest of space. My first trip took me on the trail of the headquarters of the Communist Party of Bulgaria, which resembles a ship thanks to its extraordinary architecture. I then decided to go to Kazakhstan, to Baikanur, to capture the sleeping shuttles. This remains my fondest memory of exploration. After this trip, everything accelerated: I traveled to Georgia to find the lost statue of Stalin, which was unbolted and then hidden. I continued my travels, to Bulgaria, Romania then again to Georgia and Armenia with the sole aim of capturing the heritage of the former Soviet Union, before it disappeared.
Sanatorium, Georgia
Old Iron Fountain, Armenia
Every country has a different style of architecture, it even varies depending on the region. I had the chance to see some magnificent cultural houses in Georgia. But most of the time, I don't really know what I'm going to find when I open those doors. Sometimes a disappointment, but often nice surprises! I obviously prefer places where humans have not left traces and which are not vandalized, places where nature has reclaimed its rights!
Dispensary, Armenia
Any building in the US left alone for more than 24hrs gets tagged and vandalized. Whatever the penalties are there seem to be a huge deterrent against it.
Many people to whom I showed these photos in Europe feel sadness at the "waste" of such beautiful monuments, with all the same a fascination with nature which takes over the work of the Man. On the other hand, in the countries visited, the locals really like to see the photos we take and feel nostalgic. Some locals even shared memories and vintage photos with us!
Everything is possible, you have to want it and preserve it! I hung out with the locals, drank gallons of coffee with them, and chatted with everyone I could! Without their trust, many places are inaccessible or impossible to find!
School, Georgia
Astrophysical Observatory, Armenia
I wish people in the US would take note of how pristine these abandoned places are in Soviet Union. It makes the exploration allot more fun when you aren't dodging heroin needles and trash all over the place.
Sanatorium, Georgia
Old Archeological Museum, Georgia
Sanatorium, Georgia
Old Train Station, Armenia
The Soviet Buran Space Shuttles, Kazakhstan
This is the shuttle Ptichka, housed at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. With a mock-up in the background. The actual Buran shuttle, the only completed and functional shuttle of the Buran program, was destroyed in a hangar collapse in 2002.
Airport, Armenia
Sanatorium, Georgia
Soviet Mosaic Honoring The Space Race, Georgia
Sanatorium, Georgia
Statue Of Lenin, Armenia
I was not expecting to see so many beautiful buildings in such an artistic, classical style. I'm always grateful to have my worldview expanded and to become less ignorant lol. Thank you for sharing these!
I was not expecting to see so many beautiful buildings in such an artistic, classical style. I'm always grateful to have my worldview expanded and to become less ignorant lol. Thank you for sharing these!
