Post-Soviet Atmosphere in Russian Sanatoriums: Photo Cycle of Dutch Journalists
Post-Soviet Atmosphere in Russian Sanatoriums: Photo Cycle of Dutch Journalists

Video: Post-Soviet Atmosphere in Russian Sanatoriums: Photo Cycle of Dutch Journalists

Video: Post-Soviet Atmosphere in Russian Sanatoriums: Photo Cycle of Dutch Journalists
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Post-Soviet atmosphere in Russian sanatoriums: the view of a journalist from the Netherlands
Post-Soviet atmosphere in Russian sanatoriums: the view of a journalist from the Netherlands

Despite the fact that the Soviet era is long over, in many Russian sanatoriums so far, little has changed. All the same painted walls, dull procedure rooms, it seems that even the nurses have returned here from the past. Dutch photographer Rob Hornstra - the author of a photo cycle about one of these health resorts.

Post-Soviet atmosphere in Russian sanatoriums: the view of a journalist from the Netherlands
Post-Soviet atmosphere in Russian sanatoriums: the view of a journalist from the Netherlands

Rob Hornstra's photo cycle is dedicated to recreation in the Sochi sanatorium "Metallurg", which was built in Soviet times. For decades, millions of holidaymakers from all over the country have come here to breathe fresh air and improve their health at sea, but few cared about making their stay in the sanatorium more comfortable. Until now, the sanatorium is open all year round, mainly elderly and disabled people get here for treatment.

Vacationers on vacation in Sochi
Vacationers on vacation in Sochi

Rob Hornstra collaborated with publicist Arnold Van Bruggen on the photo project. They conducted an experiment, came with imaginary diagnoses, allegedly for treatment, complaining of heart pains and sciatica. During the two weeks we spent on the Black Sea coast, we studied the simple schedule of holidaymakers: the day at Metallurg begins with a massage and ends with a disco, in the afternoon - three milk meals a day, at night - gatherings with a bottle of vodka.

Treatment room in the sanatorium Metallurg (Sochi)
Treatment room in the sanatorium Metallurg (Sochi)

Before the Olympics, the sanatorium was renovated, new furniture was brought from Krasnodar. The appearance of the rooms has partly changed, but the atmosphere, perhaps, has remained the same.

Post-Soviet atmosphere in Russian sanatoriums: the view of a journalist from the Netherlands
Post-Soviet atmosphere in Russian sanatoriums: the view of a journalist from the Netherlands
Swimming pool in the health resort Metallurg (Sochi)
Swimming pool in the health resort Metallurg (Sochi)

Rob Hornstra is a freelance documentary photojournalist. The Sochi project started in 2009 and was designed for five years. The story about the sanatorium was the first in a series of nine "Russian" publications. The authors were interested in how the country is preparing for winter olympicshow its appearance changes.

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