ABKHAZIA

Dates

2015 - Ongoing
Author

Ksenia Kuleshova
Recognition

Main Prize Honourable Mentions - PhMuseum 2018 Women Photographers Grant

Abkhazia, once one of the most beloved touristic regions of the Russian Empire and later of the Soviet Union, the small stripe of land between the sea and mighty mountains of Caucasus, only a fifth of the size of Netherlands, is really a lost place on the world map. Officially still a part of Georgia, separated after the civil war of 1992, it’s a state recognized only by Russia and just a couple of other countries.

The story „Abkhazia“ is a portrait of the country. It researches the everyday life of people who try to exist within this uncertainty, within a system that doesn’t have a future and doesn’t seek one. This project is a continuation of my attempt at trying to find something positive even in the worst situations. I wanted to give a voice to people, whose country doesn’t exist on the world map. I am convinced that our world needs another perspectives and solutions!

Abkhazia, Sukhum, 04/07/2017. Children spend their free time on the beach.

© Ksenia Kuleshova - Image from the ABKHAZIA photography project

Abkhazia, Bzyb Village, 14/05/2016. On my way to the lake Ritsa, I passed through the Village Bzyb and noticed the sign "Zoo at home". An unattached lion licking his lips and a woman with a child - that what I saw when I opened the door. "Don't worry, the lion has just eaten!" - told me the man, the owner of this zoo. By paying a small entrance fee for the animals feed you can also see some other animals and birds.

Abkhazia, Sukhum, 09/09/2015. "New District" in Sukhum. This neighborhood was most frequently bombed during the Georgian-Abkhazian war 1992/93.

Abkhazia, 08/2018. Postcards with the images from "Abkhazia" project were spread among the locals and tourists in Abkhazia to give them an opportunity to write their message to the world.

Abkhazia, Pskhu, 05/09/2015. Children playing in the village Pskhu. The majority of the inhabitants of Pskhu are Russians.

Abkhazia, Eshera, 07/07/2017. Potatoes are stored on a floor in order for them to stay dry.

Abkhazia, 08/2018. Postcards with the images from "Abkhazia" project were spread among the locals and tourists in Abkhazia to give them an opportunity to write their message to the world.

Abkhazia, Sukhum, 27/01/2016. Adlejba Rimma (55) with her grandchildren Sadya (7) and Sayat (9) in front of the table with traditional food, mamaliga (maize porridge), Ajika (spicy dip), Sulguni (cheese), vegetables and fruits - a typical family dinner.

Abkhazia, Sukhum, 03/01/2016.It has been almost 8 years since the last big snowfall in Sukhum. Everybody was outside making a "snowman", playing snowballs or just walking through the snow. The girl on the picture is making a part of a big snowman.

Abkhazia, Sukhum, 17/05/2016. The National Dance Ensemble „Caucasus„ before a performance.

Abkhazia, Sukhum, 11/05/2016. Aditsa Tsikytania, a socialite, fashion blogger, and lawyer in her living room.

Abkhazia, Sukhum, 28/01/2016. This monument is dedicated to the victims of Georgian-Abkhazian war 1992/93.

Abkhazia, Duripsch village, 09/05/2016. Etluhov Islam (38) is celebrating his victory in the horse racing. Important horse racing and national sports such as horse-football take place twice a year in Abkhazia: on May 9th (also known as a Victory Day in the USSR that celebrates the end of the WWII) and September 30th (Georgian-Abkhazian war).

Abkhazia, Sukhum, 09/05/2016. Young patriot during a parade on May 9 in Sukhum.

Abkhazia, Sukhum, 10/07/2017. The portrait of Russia’s president Vladimir Putin and the flag of Abkhazia in one of the government offices. Abkhazia is recognized by Russia and is on the list of other Russian puppet states.

Abkhazia, 08/2018. Postcards with the images from "Abkhazia" project were spread among the locals and tourists in Abkhazia to give them an opportunity to write their message to the world.

Abkhazia, Sukhum, 10/05/2016. Beauty salon „New Fantasy“.

Abkhazia, Pskhu, 05/09/2015.The road to the village Pskhu. In the summer of 1942, Wehrmacht occupied the village.

Abkhazia, 08/2018. Postcards with the images from "Abkhazia" project were spread among the locals and tourists in Abkhazia to give them an opportunity to write their message to the world.

Abkhazia, Ochamchire, 18/07/2018. The woman is enjoying the hot spring in Ochamchire.

ABKHAZIA

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