Tracing the lost history of post-Soviet Kazakhstan

Nomad’s Land — Photographer Dieter Seitz goes on a journey through the vast rural landscapes and built-up inner cities of Kazakhstan – the homeland of today’s urban nomads.

For Dieter Seitz, Kazakhstan has always been a land of mystery. The Berlin-born photographer has been travelling to the former Soviet republic for nearly a decade now, staying and shooting there for weeks at a time.

The main draw, he claims, is the country’s lost identity. Kazakhstan is filled with contradictions, and Seitz is keen to capture as many of them as possible in his work. His photographs – which are taken in various locations throughout the region – aim to show the complex cultural interplay between the Soviet Era and the new Kazakhstan; between the East and West; and between “revitalised folklore and the modern, consumer world.”

“I wanted to experience more closely what appears, from a distance, to be the most mysterious of the former Soviet republics,” he tells Huck. “Whenever this land came into my field of view, images appeared in my mind’s eye of encounters that lay much further in the past – virtual encounters in a sense.”

nomadsland_c_dieterseitz2017-p74_kopie nomadsland_c_dieterseitz2017-p97_kopieThe resulting body of work can now be seen in his new book, Nomad’s Land. Published by Hatje Cantz, it covers the full extent of Seitz’s travels; from the vast rural landscapes to the built-up inner cities. According to him, the collection is an attempt to measure the “continuity, decay, and the comeback” of a post-Soviet society.

“I believe all photography is political,” he adds. “Nomad’s Land has a strong political layer – there is a social story, and by means of photography, I’m offering interpretations of it… I hope my pictures will contribute to a more empathetic understanding between people from different cultures.”

nomadsland_c_dieterseitz2017-p100_kopie nomadsland_c_dieterseitz2017-p12_kopie nomadsland_c_dieterseitz2017-p30_kopie nomadsland_c_dieterseitz2017-p92_kopie nomadsland_c_dieterseitz2017-p91_kopie

Almaty, 2009

Nomad’s Land is available now via Hatje Cantz.

Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. 

 


You might like

Colourful collage of album covers and record sleeves on display in a gallery or museum setting, with glass panels on either side reflecting the vibrant arrangement.
Culture

Largest-Ever Display of UK AIDS Memorial Quilt Opens at Tate Modern

Grief Made Visible — Comprising hundreds of panels made by lovers, friends and chosen family, the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt returns in full for the first time since 1994 – a testament to grief, friendship and the ongoing fight against HIV stigma.

Written by: Ella Glossop

Rustic footbridge across a river, with people crossing it on a sunny day. Warm tones and shadows suggest an outdoor, natural setting.
Sport

In Medellín’s alleys and side streets, football’s founding spirit shines

Street Spirit — Granted two weeks of unfettered access, photographer Tom Ringsby captures the warmth and DIY essence of the Colombian city’s grassroots street football scene.

Written by: Isaac Muk

Diverse group of people with various expressions and styles, surrounded by bold text and graphics in dark colours.
Culture

Remembering New York’s ’90s gay scene via its vibrant nightclub flyers

Getting In — After coming out in his 20s, David Kennerley became a fixture on the city’s queer scene, while pocketing invites that he picked up along the way. His latest book dives into his rich archive.

Written by: Miss Rosen

Black and white image of several people in suits, some with long hair and unconventional appearances, alongside a large ship or boat model. Text overlaid: "FREAKS AND FINANCES".
Culture

On Alexander Skarsgård’s trousers, The Rehearsal, and the importance of weirdos

Freaks and Finances — In the May edition of our monthly culture newsletter, columnist Emma Garland reflects on the Swedish actor’s Cannes look, Nathan Fielder’s wild ambition, and Jafaican.

Written by: Emma Garland

A collage depicting a giant flup for mankind, with an image of the Earth surrounded by planets and people in sci-fi costumes.
Culture

Why Katy Perry’s space flight was one giant flop for mankind

Galactic girlbossing — In a widely-panned, 11-minute trip to the edge of the earth’s atmosphere, the ‘Women’s World’ singer joined an all-female space crew in an expensive vanity advert for Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin. Newsletter columnist Emma Garland explains its apocalypse indicating signs.

Written by: Emma Garland

Huck 79

We are all Mia Khalifa

How humour, therapy and community help Huck's latest cover star control her narrative.

Written by: Alya Mooro

Huck is supported by our readers, subscribers and Club Huck members. It is also made possible by sponsorship from:

Signup to our newsletter

Sign up to our newsletter to informed with the cutting edge of sport, music and counterculture, featuring personal takes on the state of media and pop culture from Emma Garland, former Digital Editor of Huck, exclusive interviews, recommendations and more.

Please wait...

Accessibility Settings

Text

Applies the Open Dyslexic font, designed to improve readability for individuals with dyslexia.

Applies a more readable font throughout the website, improving readability.

Underlines links throughout the website, making them easier to distinguish.

Adjusts the font size for improved readability.

Visuals

Reduces animations and disables autoplaying videos across the website, reducing distractions and improving focus.

Reduces the colour saturation throughout the website to create a more soothing visual experience.

Increases the contrast of elements on the website, making text and interface elements easier to distinguish.