Tatyana Palyga was born in Cherepovets, Russia in 1982. After graduation from linguistics faculty in her hometown she moved to Saint Petersburg where studied photojournalism for two years. Her works took part in exhibitions in Russia, Great Britain, Italy, Czech Republic. Currently she is studying at Master’s program in Photography in Usti nad Labem University, Czech Republic.
This series was shot on the Lieutenant Schmidt Embankment of the Neva river in Saint Petersburg. The embankment was a witness of the significant events of Russian history connected somehow with sea travels. In our days various kinds of ships moor at the quay – from small boats to long cargo barges and huge cruise ships with tourists from all over the world.
People living in the city come to the river bank for no practical reason, just to spend some time there. Maybe they are longing for being by water, or it is the view on the river and the city that attracts them. They contemplate ships coming and going or just study the boats which are waiting for their departure.
People look for a place to get away from the city bustle but eventually find themselves in a realm of stone and metal constructions. They are endlessly shifting their gaze from one bank to another, from boats to other people, at times seeing the ships off and, perhaps, dreaming to be aboard and to see the bank moving away from them.
Their view is often limited and hindered by something in front, as it is in obstructed view cabins * on cruise ships. But still they watch something, enjoying their personal share of available scene. And I watch them.
* Type of berths offered for passengers on cruise ships that have windows, but the view is partially limited by ship equipment. Tourists often choose these kind of births to save a part of their travel budget.
