Portfolio: Kostya Tishshe

— When I was just reaching eighteen, and as the first newly constructed buildings appeared in my small town, I started to photograph it. I wanted to document the present, to follow the changes of the town’s visual identity later. After a year and a half, this project outlived itself.

I am interested in a suspended process. When the characters are concentrated on something, and then lose focus for a second or two. I like fog and deserted places. Beaches in low season, where rare locals are going about their everyday things: walking a dog, feeding birds. I think there is something from an Asian mind here. It is convenient, because you can stay productive and not get too deep into thinking. Outside photography, I like driving and having a slow conversation. You need a person who is on the same wavelength as you to do that. The same goes for a good image.

I like the Soviet theme for its identity. I don’t care for politics or morals, but I am interested in the shape. The spirit of the times that has preserved to a different degree over vast territories. However, this works both ways.

Signboards from the 70s, even the rusty ones, are very different from what the ‘new Russians’ are doing to their facades. The only thing left to add is ‘we are open’. Russian cities have their unique beauty, and the camera will love them more if we do something with this omnipresent advertising. Overdone restoration and colorful pavement are also questionable.

I don’t make my living doing photography and it is hard for me to call myself a photographer — probably because for me this is not a job. I partly understand street collectives. I enjoy taking pictures inside, at sunset, with a direct light source, and with modern music playing.