BORDER is a journey along the Russian border, the longest national
border in the world, which spans over 60,000 km. This book will take you
on a unique trip from the warm regions of the Caucasus to the extreme
cold in the North - to the Russian temporary ice base Barneo, drifting
in the Arctic Ocean in proximity to the North Pole; from Kaliningrad
Oblast - an exclave of Russia, its westernmost territory, to the eastern
territories at the shore of the Pacific Ocean. BORDER is more than
merely a geographical expedition, but a comprehensive photographic study
of Russia's most remote and often undiscovered areas. Exploring the
connection between the disturbance of territorial boundaries and
identities, Maria Gruzdeva finds elements representative of national
identity and collective memory and asks questions about physical and
emotional belonging. Landscapes and people portrayed and documented in
Gruzdeva's photographs and travel diaries, become part of a unique
archive, a combination of researcher's and a photographer's rigorous
investigation. Maria Gruzdeva mostly works on long-term projects
underpinned by extensive research. BORDER is a project supported by
IdeasTap & Magnum Photos Photographic Award. Gruzdeva is also the
recipient and a winner of other competitions, including the Gabriele
Basilico Biennial Award and was named as one of the 30 Under 30 in the
Arts category Europe by Forbes in 2016.
