The young Moscow photographer is the guest of honor at the 15th edition of “Are you experiencing”. A flagship event in Le Havre which presents, each year, the work of professionals in different places in the city.
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Are you experiencing was created in 2007. This year, 42 photographers are exhibiting their works all over the city, in art galleries, cultural venues and cafes. Despite the war in Ukraine, Maria Passer did everything possible to honor her invitation.
Coming to France was not easy for the young woman. To get to Le Havre, she left Moscow in mid-February and spent several weeks in Armenia before finding a plane ticket. “I went to Georgia and took a flight to Istanbul, then to France” tells Maria Passer who adds being “very proud and happy” to be here for his first exhibition abroad.
The 27-year-old photographer who has worked for The Times, The Sun, The Daily Mail, CNN and other international media was invited a year ago by the organizers of the event. Long before Russia decided to invade Ukraine. A conflict that did not change their minds. On the contrary, because Maria Passer’s photographs show the forgotten places of Putin’s Russia. “For me, it’s a testimony. These are factual photos. What’s interesting is that Maria has two points of view: on the ground and in the air because she uses a lot of drones. Which gives a completely different dimension to geographical locations” reports Charles Maslard, president of Are you experiencing.
Buildings frozen by the cold, abandoned buildings and factories. Maria Passer traveled through her country, from the age of 19, in search of abandoned sites to immortalize them with her lens. “An abandoned place can be magnificent, the architecture too. It’s my personal vision of beauty” explains the young woman. A traveler at heart, Maria Passer has traveled to more than 30 countries and half of the regions of Russia. Her photographs became famous after she visited Vorkuta, a moribund Russian mining center. “I love my country. I would like people to see how huge and beautiful it is, even if right now it is hurting” she concludes. Maria Passer’s pictures can be seen at the Galerie La Glacière.
Are you experiencing. Exhibitions to see from April 1 to 30, 2022 in Le Havre, free admission.