Russia's "Closed Cities" have their origins under Stalin's regime. They were highly restricted and secret areas that housed military, scientific research or nuclear and chemical weapons production facilities. They did not appear on maps and the Soviet population did not know of their existence. At that time, living in a “closed” city was a symbol of status and privilege. It meant living in cities free of crime and with guaranteed supplies. However, it is known that many of these cities dedicated to uranium manufacturing suffered several nuclear accidents. Its effect on the pohpulation hidden by the Government.
The term closed city is not synonymous with Stalin. There are currently 44 cities closed. Under Putin's rule, these cities continue to operate under strict government control and surveillance. Residents are subject to surveillance measures, freedom of movement is controlled. Even Russians can only access it through a special invitation from the city. It is doubtful that living in “closed” cities continues to be associated with privilege.
In 2001, Putin declared the city of Norilsk “closed” due to its strategic importance as a nickel producer. Today it is considered one of the most polluted cities on the planet and is home to 175,000 inhabitants.
In 2018 as a sustainability advisor for a Swedish uranium-buying energy company, I embarked on a unique journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway, from Lake Baykal to the closed city of Krasnoyarsk 45, built by Stalin for the processing of enriched uranium. The trip also covered Itkursk, Krasnoyarsk (capital of the homonymous region, and Novokuznetsk.
This photographic project is a testimony without pretensions of denunciation, nor is it a portrait of a way of life. It is my particular perspective of a place that would otherwise be inaccessible to the majority.
I seek to convey the essence of this trip. A tapestry woven with threads of curiosity, wonder and a touch of fascination with the unknown, the juxtaposition of the Siberian enigma. Time seems to slow down as we enter these infinite places. A world shrouded in mystery emerges from between the limits of sleep and wakefulness.