East End of Europe

The series portrays a Georgian generation in transition between soviet heritage and western modernity looking for a closeness to Europe. In ancient times the border of Eastern Europe led along the Rioni River through the country. Present Georgia is situated in the transition zone between Europe and Asia. Photographed over the period from 2015 - 2018 in a dialogue with the younger generations about their perspectives, dreams and the daily life in the country. Through the long history of repeated periods of foreign occupation in Georgia, there is a strong sense of national identity and a unique social solidarity between its inhabitants. Nonetheless present Georgia is still shaped by the past, the fear of Russia and the conservatism of the Georgian Orthodox Church. In the patriarchal society of Georgia, most of the women are still expected to submit to the conventions. Love relationships without being married are unacceptable and traditional gender roles are still very marked.