Strogino is a remote residential neibourhood on the northwest end of Moscow, famous for its greenery, water space and barbecue. My good friends, photographers Anastasia Tsayder and Petr Antonov live here. The picture was taken from their balcony. Their place is known as ‘photohostel’ as many visiting photographers stay with them when they stop over in Moscow.
I was born in St Petersburg, then, at 11, moved to Siberia where I have lived for 12 more years, graduated from a local university before returning to my hometown in 1998. I took various jobs there before finally turning to photography. From last August I am based in Moscow, a mad metropolis full of contrasts, energy and drama at every corner.
In terms of urban design and architecture, many consider it a failed city, and you really have to know it from the inside to be able to appreciate its vibrance and dynamics. In this nostalgic picture (by Savva Bogatyrev), I am on a tram back in St Pete with my wife Veronika.
