A Russian Poem
Lise Sarfati’s photos of Moscow boys and early 20th century country houses look, at first glance, like the set and actors from a movie about the “Russian experience.”
Interview by Bridget Fitzgerald
What inspired the series?
It is a series that connects houses in the countryside from the beginning of the 20th century with portraits of young people, mostly boys, whom I met in Moscow. There is no obvious connection between the photographs. It is not really a narrative story; it is more a story constructed by elements. Continue reading ↓
“Rough, Cold and Close: A Russian Poem” is showing at Yossi Milo Gallery in New York through Dec. 6, 2008. All images courtesy of Yossi Milo Gallery, copyright © Lise Sarfati, all rights reserved.
Interview continued
Still, the photographs go together despite having such different subjects. How did you come to work the architecture shots and portraits together?
The photographs are not related to storytelling but instead confront each other to create a questioning and dynamic that permits the viewer to have his or her own interior feelings.
What is your favorite subject to shoot: landscapes, architecture, people, something else entirely?
I never think about my favorite shots in terms of landscape, architecture, or people but I try all the time to find a language that reveals my feelings. So it could be any of these things. It doesn’t matter—what matters more is the concept that I have in my mind before I decide to do the series.
What are you working on next?
Next I have a show in Paris in Loft Sevigne during Paris Photo where I am going to exhibit my series “Mother and Daughter.”