Documentary Photographer & Filmmaker Tom Law is the Edge of Humanity Magazine contributor of this social documentary photography.  These images are from his project ‘Isolation In Kazakhstan‘. To see Tom’s gallery of projects click on any image.

 

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Set in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains, Almaty is a city like no other. Until 1997 it was the capital of Kazakhstan, but because of its impractical geographical location, the government decided to change it to Astana instead.

 

The Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains
The Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains

 

I was conducting an ethnographic study about family life in Almaty. Observing their behavior and routines. After spending a few weeks in both the urban and rural areas with two different families, I became more aware of how isolated both the city and people were. The people were lovely, very warm and welcoming, but there was an underlying wariness which I couldn’t help pick up on.

 

Inside Arman and Janna’s home.
Inside Arman and Janna’s home.

 

Preparing the apples for the compote.

 

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Arman and his wife Janna stand outside their home. They are newly married and expecting their first child.
Arman and his wife Janna stand outside their home. They are newly married and expecting their first child.

 

Local shop in rural Almaty.
Local shop in rural Almaty.

 

Preparing the apples for the compote.
Preparing the apples for the compote.

 

‘Babooshka’, a name given to a grandmother in both Kazakhstan and Russia. This lady was famous in the village for making the best compote.
‘Babooshka’, a name given to a grandmother in both Kazakhstan and Russia. This lady was famous in the village for making the best compote.

 

Maxim is 9, he lives with his family in the city. Last year he was given a laptop which he now uses for all his school work.
Maxim is 9, he lives with his family in the city. Last year he was given a laptop which he now uses for all his school work.

 

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Maxim and his family surrounded by their technology.
Maxim and his family surrounded by their technology.

 

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This project is an exploration into the culture both in home and on the streets of Almaty. From mountains, living rooms and fair grounds, Almaty is truly unique in its character and with little chance of changing any time soon.

 

See also:

Edge of Sao Paulo

By Tom Law

 


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