simon roberts
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statement:
As my year there progressed, I came to understand that Russians see beauty where an outsider might only see decaying apartment blocks or featureless landscapes. And whilst acknowledging their country’s deficiencies, Russians nevertheless believe their native land to be a remarkable and exceptional place. They convey an optimism about it that I soon came to share – an optimism borne of more than just patriotism. They see Russia as home, their rodina, and they see its landscapes and people as being unique – set apart, spiritual, resilient, even holy. Russians carry with them an innate sense of the history of the motherland and, through it, feel inextricably connected to one another. This nebulous spirituality – defining it is impossible! – this Russianness, is elusive yet all pervasive.
I hope Motherland may be read as a footnote to the current debate about Russian identity during a time of major geo-political, economic and social change. Ultimately these images are a celebration of Russia, aiming to deepen our understanding of a country and its people. My wish is that the reader finds grounds for optimism and beauty in unexpected places, just as I did.
As my year there progressed, I came to understand that Russians see beauty where an outsider might only see decaying apartment blocks or featureless landscapes. And whilst acknowledging their country’s deficiencies, Russians nevertheless believe their native land to be a remarkable and exceptional place. They convey an optimism about it that I soon came to share – an optimism borne of more than just patriotism. They see Russia as home, their rodina, and they see its landscapes and people as being unique – set apart, spiritual, resilient, even holy. Russians carry with them an innate sense of the history of the motherland and, through it, feel inextricably connected to one another. This nebulous spirituality – defining it is impossible! – this Russianness, is elusive yet all pervasive.
I hope Motherland may be read as a footnote to the current debate about Russian identity during a time of major geo-political, economic and social change. Ultimately these images are a celebration of Russia, aiming to deepen our understanding of a country and its people. My wish is that the reader finds grounds for optimism and beauty in unexpected places, just as I did.
education:
Simon Roberts (b.1974) graduated with a first class BA (Hons) Degree in Human Geography from the University of Sheffield (1996) followed by a Distinction in Photojournalism from the NCTJ, Sheffield College (1997). His photographs have been exhibited widely with recent shows at the Museum of Contemporary Photography in Chicago and the Museum of Modern Art in Shanghai. They are represented in major public and private collections, including the Deutsche Borse Art Collection, George Eastman House and the Wilson Centre for Photography.
In recognition for his work, Roberts has received several awards including the Vic Odden Award from the Royal Photographic Society (2007) - offered for a notable achievement in the art of photography by a British photographer, a National Media Museum Bursary (2007) and a World Press Photo award (2010). He was also a student on the World Press Masterclass in Amsterdam (2003) and identified by Photo District News as one of their PDN30 Emerging Artists (2004).
Motherland, his first monograph, was published in 2007 (Chris Boot Ltd) followed by We English in Autumn 2009 (Chris Boot Ltd). A major exhibition of We English will be on show at the National Media Museum until September 2010.
Simon Roberts (b.1974) graduated with a first class BA (Hons) Degree in Human Geography from the University of Sheffield (1996) followed by a Distinction in Photojournalism from the NCTJ, Sheffield College (1997). His photographs have been exhibited widely with recent shows at the Museum of Contemporary Photography in Chicago and the Museum of Modern Art in Shanghai. They are represented in major public and private collections, including the Deutsche Borse Art Collection, George Eastman House and the Wilson Centre for Photography.
In recognition for his work, Roberts has received several awards including the Vic Odden Award from the Royal Photographic Society (2007) - offered for a notable achievement in the art of photography by a British photographer, a National Media Museum Bursary (2007) and a World Press Photo award (2010). He was also a student on the World Press Masterclass in Amsterdam (2003) and identified by Photo District News as one of their PDN30 Emerging Artists (2004).
Motherland, his first monograph, was published in 2007 (Chris Boot Ltd) followed by We English in Autumn 2009 (Chris Boot Ltd). A major exhibition of We English will be on show at the National Media Museum until September 2010.