Known for his finely composed photographs, Canadian photographer David Burdeny presents a new series that showcases the stunning and elaborate Moscow and St. Petersburg Metro system. Dating back to 1935, The Moscow and St. Petersburg Metro was one of the USSR’s most extravagant architectural projects. Under Stalin’s direction, the Architects were directed to introduce the concept of “svet” or light and “sveltloe budushchee”or a bright future. With their polished marble walls, high vaulted ceilings and ornate chandeliers, the Metro stations have been likened to an “artificial underground sun”. This underground paradise was to reminded its riders that Stalin and his party had delivered something substantial to the people in return for their sacrifices.
David Burdeny has themed the series around this notion showcasing his photographs of 20 of the metro stations and various Russian museums, palaces and theatre interiors. This new series involved extensive research, several trips, translators, granted exclusive and unprecedented after hours access to several of Russia’s fabulous metro stations. In some instances, Burdeny scheduled a shoot at 2 am and was allowed only 20 minutes to capture his image.
A Bright Future—New Works from Russia is on view at the Jennifer Kostuik Gallery in Vancouver, Canada through November 8.
all images David Burdeny | courtesy of Jennifer Kostuik Gallery | H/t fastcodesign