Deutsch
English
Background information
When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, people celebrated, in Germany and in many parts of the world. Less than a year later, the reunification of East and West Germany was also sealed on the political stage. And again, there was celebration, with fireworks, historical speeches and the prospect of 'blooming landscapes' also in East Germany. Even further east, the Soviet Union disintegrated. The political chaos in the Soviet Union was the subject of reporting, but the dramatic consequences for the population were, as I recall, drowned in the jubilation over reunification in this country.
Michael KERSTGENS traveled to Moscow in the winter of 1990/91 in order to get a picture and take photographs on site.
Statement of the photographer, Michael KERSTGENS
Moscow in winter 1990/91, 73 years after the revolution. The supply has collapsed. Exchange economy replaces state monopoly. Everyone distrusts everyone, one is the wolf of the other. Parents send their children to Moscow to steal food. They are picked up by the militia and sent to re-education camps. Mothers of dead conscripts demonstrate against the harassment of superiors and the poor supply and equipment in the Red Army. A state and its institutions crumble. Mikhail Gorbachev loses control of the state. It was the last winter of the USSR'.
Content
The pictures that Michael KERSTGENS took more than 30 years ago in Moscow on the streets, in stores and when visiting various institutions, and which are shown as black and white photographs in 'The Final Winter', document the harshness, the desolation and the powerlessness, rage and despair of discouraged people.
About the photographer, Michael KERSTGENS (b. 1960)
Photo books by Michael KERSTGENS
- Format
- HC with tipped in Photograph on the cover (no dust jacket, as issued), 21 x 28 x 2 cm., 124 pp., 72 b/w duoton b/w ills., text language: English