Mikhailov began work on these images in 1984 when the old Soviet Union was still a reality. BM took pictures of everyday life in his native Kharkov, glued them on the back pages of someone’s unfinished dissertation and scribbled text around the images. Quotations from a variety of sources including philosophy, literature, science and things Mikhailov heard on the street or at home are combined with the artist’s sometimes cryptic but often humorous reflections on life, photography and the world in general. Purposely cheap printing done in his toilet-darkroom makes the images appear old, and combined with M.’s reflections on earlier Soviet photographers this offers a surprisingly original insight into the history of Soviet photography. This unusual artist’s book is a seductive invitation to reflect on the state of contemporary life which from M.’s very personal perspective prompts the reader to watch, discover, think and smile. (Publisher’s text).
Text engl. - “This edition is limited to 750 numbered copies and will not be for sale” and „From the limited edition of 750 copies, presented to museums, institutions, collectors, publishers, and friends of the photographic medium. - Printed by Steidl, Göttingen.