“Silka”, which means exile in Russian, is a photographic exploration of Brighton Beach, NY; the most densely populated Russian-speaking community in the Western Hemisphere. Though the collapse of the USSR in 1991 changed Russia significantly and stimulated a series of rapid modernization, Brighton Beach savors the past and is living museum of Soviet nostalgia. A life ensconced in traditions, values and the iconology of the old world beliefs; this close-knit insular world of Soviet émigrés lives a cloistered existence in the shadow of New York City.

A centennial celebration of a decorated WWII veteran Semyon Krasilschikov in Orange Grill Restaurant. Aug 18, 2018

Intersection of Brighton Beach ave and Coney Island ave. Following the detente of 1972, when 250,000 jews were allowed to leave USSR. Cheap and abandoned, Brighton Beach became an ideal place for the emigres to settle in. Locals often say its proximity to the beach reminds them of Odessa, the point of origin of many emigres. May 28, 2018

A senior citizen salvaging parts from a discarded television set on Brightwater St., Brighton Beach. May 20, 2018

A man enjoying a cigarette out of his apartment window on Brighton 7th street. June 25, 2018

Bay Democrats Club celebration of July 4th, Independence day at the Volna Restaurant. Every year the club gathers the Russian community to celebrate freedom and constitution of the USA. July 3, 2018

American Association of Veterans and Invalids, honoring a Veteran and Holocaust survivor Anastasia Guildina (Center), on her 93rd birthday at the Sorefront “Y” during the meeting with the local youth. Veterans in Brighton Beach are often celebrated by various organizations and volunteers. June 7, 2018

Dance rehearsal at the Kaleidoscope dance school. June 6, 2018

A woman walking a dog on Brighton Beach Ave. Aug 3, 2018

An acrobatic performance at the Romanoff restaurant. July 21, 2018

Funeral of a WWII veteran Efim Fliterman, who fought in a battle of Stalingrad. WWII veterans are a dying community, the youngest veteran will turn 91 in 2018. January 27, 2018

The Magenta Foundation gratefully acknowledges the support of TD Bank Group for their ongoing commitment to Flash Forward and to emerging artists.

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