The Russian Emil Gataullin is a master of poetry in black and white, and of photography that recalls that of Henri Cartier-Bresson. It dances in a balance between austerity, deliberate reserve and romantic composition. His theme: the Russian village. A life far from the great decisions scandals, everything is in the light, honest and authentic. His wanderings in the small towns and villages are strolls in an unknown land, introspective walks, a return to his childhood. His photos are neither cynical nor idealist. They are only a moment in life, a declaration of love for a Russia that begins far away from Moscow.
Emil Gataullin doesn’t have any illusions about the state of his country, the western cliché of Russia/vodka/poverty doesn’t interest him. Far from Moscow, he’s searching for a different, slower time and brings us lightly disenchanted images. In his photos, no events, no specific information. He manages to make special moment from an everyday moment, and enchants us with a mere nothing. That is what makes the photos he gives us magic without imposing anything.
Emil Gataullin, Towards Horizon
From 21st September to 21st October 2017
Cosmos Galerie
56 Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg
75007 Paris
France
