The 2024 jury is extremely proud to put forward this winning image, a moment that speaks to us from the outer edges of Russian society. In the margins of the margins of Putin’s Russia, queer bodies exist and dare to stay true to themselves. A couple share a tender embrace in a field, only feeling safe when they are far away from civilisation. The jury commends the work for its defiance, both politically and visually, by portraying queer bodies in the open landscape standing together in an intimate embrace.
In November 2023, Russia’s Supreme Court ruled that LGBT activists should be designated as ‘extremists.’ The judge further endorsed a ban on the ‘international LGBT social movement.’ This marks the most drastic step in the decade-long dismantling of LGBTQIA+ rights in the country under Vladimir Putin, with many human rights activists fearing that this vague and non-specific wording will lead to multiple arrests and prosecutions.
Due to concerns around privacy, the photographer is participating under the pseudonym Alexis.
Audio Tours of this entry
Entry Audio Tour by Alejandra Ortiz, curator of this year’s exhibition.
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