Alexey Titarenko - Ilya Tetelman

I found Alexey Titarenko's work randomly while researching photography, and through any Russian connection; and contrary to many collectors, I find much of his work interesting not because of his depicting of Soviet Russia but because of the ethereal and surreal qualities of his photos.

His journey as a photographer is also compelling. He began working heavily in Photography in the 1970's, and graduated with a Master's in Fine Art by 1983. By the fall of the iron curtain in the 1990's, Titarenko had been exhibiting and photographing Soviet culture for over two decades, but because of the supressive regime and his unfaltering loyalty, none of his work had been shown or collected anywhere outside of the Communist empire. When the Soviet power collapsed, his work was almost instantly famous; for it gave a hungry western world a glimpse into the hidden Russian life they so curiously gossiped about.

Within a couple of years, Titarenko had exhibits across Europe, his work found it's place in Museums across the world, and collectors' homes just as well. But I like to think that it's not just the glimpse of Russia, but the eerily magical feelings his photographs evoke. In this set, I will include my favorite of his collections (although they may not represent the full scope of his work).

Ilya T.