THE DISAPPEARING ACTS OF METAMORPHOSIS

Vladivostok, the modern commercial and cultural capital of the Russian far east, was not build in a day. Much like the many other megapolis around the world, this city has also undergone a drastic transformation, over the past centuries. It is slowly moving towards becoming a futuristic city. I have been witnessing similar rapid urbanization projects back home, which not only have altered the pristine landscapes but also have erased memories of the cultural past. The cities that we call home now, were primarily built by the marginalized working class populations, who have largely been forgotten/remains unseen by history. My present work celebrates their collective struggle, and also critique the human ambitions of modernization. Through my work the viewer can traverse through two different landscapes of Vladivostok, and rethink about these transitions in time.

In the first image, I have shown a group of Burlaks dragging the famous statue of the Red Army soldier by Alexey Teleta. The sculpture has become the most notable landmark and memorial in Vladivostok, celebrating the triumph of the common folk, and the glory of modern democracy. The Burlak figures here in my installation, are copied from the famous painting by Ilya Repin, produced around 1870s, that represented the hardships of these groups. I introduce an image of a flying seagull- a symbol of freedom, survival and hope, guiding their way. In the distant background, the viewers come across the rolling hills that were once part of the forested landscape. A Siberian tiger, that once fearlessly roamed these terrains could be seen in its majestic stance. In the upper left corner, the Egersheld lighthouse appears, one of the first modern structures in the region. As the direction of the light changes, the second image reveals a panoramic view of a modern city of Vladivostok. The pastoral landscape transforms into a desolate concrete jungle, where skyscrapers are seen dotting the horizon. The workers from the previous image vanish in thin air, leaving only the monument and the lighthouse behind, that bear testimony of the time. The Tiger is now lost, speaking about the habitat loss. Its territory now changed to a space research centre, as a rocket could be seen rushing upwards towards the outer galaxy. The open sky where once birds flew freely is now occupied by an artificial hot air balloon.