Waste Based

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jul 22

Pavel Golovkin’s project "Waste" stands out as a commentary on society's relationship with refuse. Through his lens, Golovkin transforms trash from an overlooked byproduct of human activity into a nomadic entity with its own narrative, continually moving and evolving within urban landscapes.

Photography Pavel Golovkin

While most individuals prefer to ignore waste or view it with disdain, Golovkin's work reveals another side to this relationship. He introduces us to the creatures—whether they be animals, insects, or even humans in certain contexts—who engage with waste, finding utility or even beauty in what has been discarded. These interactions highlight a complex ecosystem where trash is not merely an eyesore but a resource and a habitat. This perspective challenges the conventional view of waste as merely unwanted material and encourages a more nuanced understanding of its role in the environment.

By delving into the "inner world" of waste, Golovkin encourages viewers to look beyond the surface. What stories do these discarded items tell? What history do they carry with them? Each piece of waste is a testament to consumer habits, economic systems, and social values. Understanding the provenance and lifecycle of waste can lead to a deeper appreciation of the material culture and the environmental impacts of our daily lives.

“Waste is a nomad, always nearby, always on the move. It gets crushed, forced to stay locked up, and expelled from the city.”

His work invites us to acknowledge the hidden life of waste, appreciate the creatures that interact with it, and consider the broader implications of our waste production and management practices. In doing so, we might find more sustainable and empathetic ways to coexist with this ever-present element of our modern world.

About Pavel

Pavel Golovkin is a visual artist based in Tallinn, Estonia, born in 1988 in Moscow. He began his career in 2007 as a freelance photographer contributing to various agencies and magazines. Pavel worked as a staff photographer for the Associated Press news agency from 2013 to 2023 covering general news and sports events globally.

In 2020 he embarked on visual art alongside agency work starting with the "Please Keep Social Distance" project.

To see more of his work, visit his website or follow him on Instagram

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Waste Based

Pavel Golovkin’s project "Waste" stands out as a commentary on society's relationship with refuse. Through his lens, Golovkin transforms trash from an overlooked byproduct of human activity into a nomadic entity with its own narrative, continually moving and evolving within urban landscapes.

“Waste is a nomad, always nearby, always on the move. It gets crushed, forced to stay locked up, and expelled from the city.”

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