Pripyat, Jan Smith 2011

Pripyat

This is a personal project exploring Pripyat, 25 years after the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl.    My work develops along two axis.  The first is documentary work focusing on Pripyat as a remanent of what planned Soviet cities used to be like.  Soviet Icons hang on buildings, and the placards of streets are still named after Soviet heroes.   I hope to present the city with a shade of its former dignity, and remind us why it was such a coveted place to live in.  Abandoned, left to the elements, and unable to be re-inhabited, we should ask ourselves what will be left of the Pripyat in another 25 years.  I hope this works serves as a future historical record.

My work, and thoughts regarding my time in Chernobyl in January 2011, can be followed in detail in a seven chapter blog.  Alternatively a brochure may be downloaded. (link pending)

Chapter 1 / Chapter 2 / Chapter 3 / Chapter 4/ Chapter 5 / Chapter 6 / Chapter 7

If you wish to learn about travel to Chernobyl and Pripyat please see my blog entry here.