Moscow in a Different Light Although wedged between a picture book on Spain and an illustrated anthology about Saudi Arabia, William Klein’s Moscow beckoned me to open its pages. It is not the fanciest volume, the most insightful work, or even the strangest piece in the collection, but its bright red title encouraged me to take a look. Klein explains the complexity of this age-old city in his forward which is represented in the series of photographs. The author chose pictures of everyday people engaging in common activities such as shopping, dancing, doing gymnastics, and cleaning chicken. Nevertheless, there is also an austerity to all the photographs, which author believes to stem from the harsh Soviet government. Behind state symbols, famous portraits, and institutionalized settings, the viewer is still able to catch a glimpse at the people of Moscow’s inner being whether it be a shot of women laughing over their coffee or a father balancing his son on his arm. My favorite photograph captures a crowd looking at St. Basil’s Cathedral at night. The crowd is blurred into the sky as fluorescent light illuminates the church and the Kremlin.
- Gabrielle Barr, Library Intern Summer 2009
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