self-published by Max Zhiltsov
Signed copies.
This photobook is the first publication project by Max Zhiltsov depicting Cyprus in a harsh, honest way.
Max says:
“This series of photos is dedicated to Limassol and my very first impression of the city.
Black and white photographs made on film represent Limassol and its fatigue is driven by controversial city growth. Real and authentic photography of the city, an honest look at its life from the backyards.
Would it be too “dark” or just honest — it depends on how biased is your point of view.”
What stands behind the book and the whole project?
“I’m one of these “job immigrants” who came to the island to work for a Russian-rooted company. While being happy and grateful for the chance to live an islander’s life, I see how deeply controversial this uprising immigration trend is for everything local: people, culture, and economics.
The city is flooded with Russians and CIS people, most of them speak neither Greek nor English well enough to interact with locals, but there are a lot of them; they have money, create demand, and are trying to set their rules.
Locals are forced to adjust under new circumstances to meet new demands — now they have to know Greek, English, and Russian to remain competitive in employment.
Whether this flow of new settlers is good for economics or not? What’s going to happen with cultural heritage and traditions? Will locals get any value from this hospitable politics?
I’m not going to answer these questions with this book, but it is to express my impressions through the views of the city. Free of any people — main actors on the scene, but full of fatigue brought here by this “game.”
We have started CY U project from an Instagram gallery. When it came to a book discussion, I decided to start the series from a little bit dark to stress the key CY U idea and my attitude to photography: to be real, to document life as it is with no posing, no staging, no hiding awkward, shameful details.
I’m admiring the real state of things and seeking beauty in simple details. A lot of beauty fill follow within CY U project, and I hope you will enjoy it no less than me.”
No products in the cart. 