Lost in translation!
Dulshani Gunawardena
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Ildar
Yambikov.
Pictures by Ruwan de Silva |
[Ildar in essence]
* Though born in Moscow, Ildar is a Muslim
* His ancestral roots lie in Tajikistan, the land of the Tatars
* He was first posted in the military.
* Next venture was the Russian Centre of Arts and Culture.
* His most celebrated photographs: ‘The House of Peace’,
‘Sunflowers at Sunset’, ‘Kirill and Mefodi’, ‘Window To Russia’
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Sunflowers at sunset |
The House of Peace |
Kirill and Mefodi |
It is rare when a movie title can be used to describe a person, but
with the likes of Ildar Yambikov, no such difficulty presents itself. No
catch phrase could describe him better than ‘Lost in Translation’!
He knew but a smattering of English. Needless to say that my
knowledge of Russian is nil. Yet the memory that lingers behind is not
one of utter confusion or bewilderment. Left is a vivid and vibrant
picture of a land far away; A land of mystery: whose magic refuses to
get ‘lost in translation’.
Born, bred and living in Moscow, Ildar is a Muslim. His ancestral
roots lie in Tajikistan, the land of the Tatars. In his words his
passionate relationship with photography is nothing less than destiny.
As a schoolboy, his attraction to the camera was magnetic. He would
spend his free time roaming the countryside, exploring and
experimenting.
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Window to Russia |
His first stint was in the military. The norm places the military
worlds apart from the exotic and emotional world of Arts. For Ildar it
was a revelation; an experience that created a lasting impact on his
perspective. ‘It made gentlemen out of us children’, he reminiscences.
Military training was compulsory for all young adults.
His was an era free from active combat. Instead of brutal images, his
memories are full of comradeship and lasting friendships. As a Muslim
and Tatar, this was his first broad exposure to Russia’s cultural
diversity. The army was far flung in its religious and ethic diversity;
bound together only by their mutual love for the motherland.
Following his military service, Ildar’s next venture was The Russian
Centre of Arts and Culture. Here his budding talents found their
destination, as he pursued professional photography.
Today Ildar has curved a niche for himself as one of Russia’s famed
photographers. To him, photography is not merely a profession, but his
hobby, his life: the ultimate representation of himself.
The Russia he conjures is not our usual picture of vastness, chill
and bygone communism. Rather it is a land that lives up to Ildar’s
recurring theme of Harmony through Diversity.
The North is predominantly Orthodox Christian, the south Muslim. Jews
make up a significant denomination. Tibetan Buddhism is deep rooted in
Siberia and the Russian Far East. It is interesting to note that Russia
and Austria are the only European nations which recognize Buddhism as an
official religion.
The photograph, The House of Peace showcases an icon of this
diversity. Situated in Tajikistan, this building brings together all
cultures. The various spheres each bear a symbol of Russia’s religious
groups: Orthodox Christian, Jewish, Buddhist and Muslim.
2000 was a significant year for Ildar. Here came the dawn of a new
era. Every man, woman and child were enthused with a new life. There was
much hope for change: for a great new world. The spirit of the new
millennium brought Ildar in rhythm with his spirituality. He had a gift
for the world.
Ildar entered the new millennium on a quest of discovery and self
expression. He adopted the theme of Creation. His work revolving around
nature and the inner peace gained through the beauty of the outer world.
His desire culminated in a collection of over six thousand
photographs taken over a period of five long years.
Sunflowers at Sunset is one of Ildar’s many haunting photographs. In
Russian sunflowers are called patsawna or children of the sun. With
lively hues and many uses, they are a symbol of life itself.. Sunset
heralds end. Yet here, the end is entwined with life. It brings to mind
a saying often heard yet seldom heeded, ‘The darkest hour precedes the
brightest dawn’.
Somewhat foreboding yet appealing, Kirill and Mefodi delves into
Russian history and even deeper. The two figures, Kirill and Mefodi were
monks in ancient Russia. Kirill is the founder of the Russian alphabet,
Kirillitza. Yet the photo exerts itself beyond the materialistic.
Language is one of God’s greatest gift to mankind. The soft illuminating
light of the sun brings the stone monument to life.
Ildar ventured to the international arena in the latter part of this
decade. His exhibitions have been held in Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt and
Congo. ‘Russia: The Harmony of Space’ was held in Colombo during the
first week of March.
Window To Russia intrigues the viewer both in its simplicity and
depth. This is a window of an ancient museum situated in Buryat. Ildar
equates the artwork on the top panel as a depiction of Russia’s massive
cultural heritage. Through the window, two ancient buildings are
visible. Usually, time is the factor that rules our life. Yet the view
through the window is the same as several hundred years ago; it will be
the same for many hundred years to come. So, literally time stands
still.
Last but not least, I query on Sri Lanka. Does he like the country?
Did he enjoy himself?
His is a simple answer.
‘I have taken five thousand photographs so far!’ |
