Space and Steppe by Baurjan Bismildin

In 'Space and Steppe,' Baurjan Bismildin, along with his discerning team undertakes an insightful expedition across the vast expanses of the Kazakh Steppe.

This odyssey delves into the intersections of space exploration and the lived experiences of the Kazakh people, weaving a rich tapestry of narratives that spotlight the cultural and socio-economic fabrics of Kazakhstan. The project emerges as a poignant exploration of human connection, resilience, and the indelible marks of history on both the landscape and its inhabitants.

Central to Bismildin's artistic inquiry is the role of Kazakhstan — a crucial nexus in the annals of space exploration, home to the legendary Baikonur Cosmodrome, and the unsung 'welcome mat' for cosmonauts returning to Earth's embrace. 'Space and Steppe' seeks to illuminate the lesser-known narratives of those who have lived in the shadow of these celestial descents, capturing the essence of encounters that range from the monumental to the mundane.

Through the lens of Bismildin and the creative synergy of his team, comprising producer Dennis Keen, videographer Alexander Pflaum, and fixer Yermek Utemissov, the project navigates the emotional and physical geography of the Steppe, from witnessing the awe-inspiring moment of a capsule's landing to engaging with the people whose lives are intricately woven into this cosmic tapestry. The expedition becomes a journey through time, uncovering stories of eyewitnesses, the fate of forgotten monuments, and the creative resilience of those repurposing remnants from the sky.

Kazakhstan's dichotomous identity as both a launchpad and landing site offers a unique vantage point from which to reflect on the broader implications of space travel on human and environmental narratives. "Space and Steppe' adeptly captures the contrast between the global ambitions of space exploration and the local realities of those who inhabit these storied landscapes. It questions the legacy of these missions through the eyes of those who remember the cosmonauts' arrivals as days of communal pride or poignant reminders of their isolation.

Bismildin's commitment to authenticity and the tactile richness of film photography adds a layer of immediacy and intimacy to the project, despite the logistical and environmental challenges posed by the Kazakh winter. Each frame is a deliberate and thoughtful selection, a testament to the ephemeral moments of human and historical significance that the project seeks to immortalize.

Photographer: Baurjan Bismildin
Text: Zuzanna Gasior

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