In Western Europe, bus stations are the most inconspicuous architecture. It can be called a simple and practical building, standing on the roadside with little or no decoration.
Influenced by the conflicting artistic styles and aesthetics of 13 former Soviet countries, a Canadian photographer traveled 18,641 miles to capture the scenery of the Soviet bus station ruins with his camera, presenting this once huge union country. A unique blend of culture and art.
In Western Europe, bus stations are the most inconspicuous buildings. It can be called a simple and practical building, standing on the roadside with little or no decoration. But in the former Soviet Union, from the shores of the Black Sea to the grasslands of Kazakhstan, bus stations of various styles were built in these very desolate places. Architects design different totems based on the various cultural customs they are passionate about, including domes, towers, arches, murals, and even complete birdsSculpture, you can easily interpret the local aesthetics and culture from these different styles of stations.
By car, bus and taxi, Christopher Herwig visited Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Georgia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Belarus to capture the vibrant and artistic bus stops.
From the understated mosaic-style shelters of Abkhazia to the Brutalist concrete structures of Armenia, the photographer has compiled his findings and photographs in the photo album Soviet Bus Stops.
Herwig sees bus stops as “unexpected treasures.” In 2002, Herwig decided to cycle from London to St. Petersburg, promising himself to take an interesting photo at least every hour. When riding to Lithuania, he couldn't take his eyes away from a unique building there, which was a bus station from the former Soviet Union.
He believes: "From the Black Sea coast to the endless Kazakh steppes, these extraordinary bus stops illustrate the rare public art from the Soviet era to the present day.A variety of artistic styles that represent contemporary creative thinking. ”
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A bus stop in Charyn, Kazakhstan, with colorful works of art .
The photographer explained: “In 2002, I decided to cycle from London to St. Petersburg, challenging myself to take an interesting photo every hour. The subject matter doesn't matter as long as its interesting. This spans Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Russia3000 kilometers forced me to notice these details: graffiti, chimneys, gardens, linen clothing, and people waiting for the local bus. That long trip was the beginning of my obsession. ”
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A bus stop in Guduata, Abkhazia, with an exquisite arched structure.
The photographer said: “Many bus stops are unique among the former Soviet republics. , imaginative, and sometimes a little crazy. Every new bus stop I encounter has its own personality. They made me realize that the architectural legacy of the Soviet Union can be better remembered than the clichés that prevail in our Western regions. ”
A bus station in Taraz, Kazakhstan, This amazing bus shelter resembles an animal standing on its front legs.
Herwig pointed out: "Behind the Iron Curtain, there were millions of people who liked to daydream and they pushed the imagination. Limit, you need to find an outlet for performance.
At a bus stop in Rozsohentsi, Ukraine, commuters wait in front of a lively pink bus stop.
The photographer added: “Most taxi drivers were very confused as to why I was interested in old bus stations. Drivers were baffled that what I jumped out of the car to photograph was, to them, just part of the everyday landscape. ”
A bus station in Echmiadzin, Armenia , a simple arc.
Herwig summarized his adventure this way: “The really exciting thing is that I never had a clue as to what would happen next or what I would find. ”
