"Time": Alexey Krylov's photo project about endless planning

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He was born in Tver and completed his studies at the Tver Medical Academy. In 2014, he became a finalist for the Guild of Advertising Photographers of Russia award, which emphasized his talent and professionalism in the field of photography. Since 2015, he has been actively collaborating with galleries in Europe and the United States, expanding his creative horizons. Since 2023, his "Courier" series has been exhibited both in Russia and internationally, receiving recognition at various exhibitions.

People in identical clothing, holding identical objects, line up against a backdrop of picturesque landscapes. This visual contrast creates a unique atmosphere, emphasizing unity and diversity at the same time. The aesthetics of such scenes attract attention and spark interest, inviting viewers to reflect on the meaning of collective action and individuality within the framework of a common idea.

The author of the "Time" photo project, Alexey Krylov, asserts that the subjects of his works can be anywhere. The main thing is that the background does not distract from the main focus—the people. In this series of photographs, the emphasis is on the emotional state of the subjects, rather than the surrounding environment. Krylov strives to convey the depth of human experience using a minimalist approach to decoration.

All shots are taken from the same angle, which allows the viewer to perceive them as a sequence of scrolling files. Despite the changing situations, the sensations remain unchanged. This creates a unique experience that strengthens the emotional connection with the content.

I once saw Cousteau's Little Red Riding Hood in a movie, and it became a symbol for me of the desire for change in the world. We are all familiar with the feeling of impending change. The routine is about to end, and I will take the first step toward my dream. This inspiration reminds me of the importance of taking action and not being afraid of change, which can lead to a better future.

My heroes are ordinary people who perform routine work every day. Their lives resemble Henry Ford's assembly line, but in the 21st century, this is true not only in factories but also in various fields, from pizzerias to the offices of large companies. Many of my acquaintances put off taking the first step toward their dreams for more than ten years. Endless planning becomes a substitute for real action. Planning brings satisfaction, but, unfortunately, it doesn't lead to results. It is important to realize that dreams require not only reflection, but also active action to achieve them.

If I listed each participant with information about their place of work and their dreams, you might feel sympathy and interest in their fates. However, I decided to use actors because in today's world, the essence of the real story often loses its meaning and the title becomes the determining factor. A title is often enough to bring a story to life.

The characters in this series are familiar to each of us on a personal level.

In the photographer's works, one person is presented in several versions, creating the effect of many identical characters.

Alexey notes that the decision embodies the core concept of filming: moments when a person is constantly immersed in the same actions.

During the production of the series, significantly more scenes were filmed than made it into the final version. Many ideas and plots were left behind the scenes, as some of them did not harmonize with the main narrative. This choice made it possible to make the plot more coherent and consistent, ensuring a better perception of the story by the audience.

Alexey shares his observations on how modern people form new habits by using courier services without leaving their homes. He notes that many people enjoy shopping, whether it's necessary items or impulsive purchases. He also wonders how people spend their time at work, what they dream about, and what barriers they put in their way. Often, they enjoy the process of planning and creating checklists rather than realizing their dreams. This phenomenon vividly reflects the peculiarities of our times and shows how habits and behavior are changing in the modern world.

The changes that occur with people in modern conditions become the object of study for photographers. Observing these transformations does not always imply a passive perception of reality, as is done in traditional documentary photography. A photographer can actively influence the surrounding reality, creating unique visual stories that reflect the internal changes and emotional states of people.

Photographers, as a rule, do not interfere with reality only when shooting landscapes or street photography. In most cases, they choose specific situations they want to capture. Whether the photographer waited for the right moment, reworked the shot, or added an element using Photoshop is irrelevant. With the development of artificial intelligence, the tools for creating images are becoming less important, because the idea and vision of the photographer are more important.

The author describes his project as controversial. It's received considerably less attention in the photography world than "Courier."

I find it more interesting. I wanted to convey the idea that it's not what's depicted in the frame that's more important than how it's presented. The entire project boils down to a striking title. It can be analyzed and delved into, but the essence remains clear. However, I understand that the message wasn't conveyed clearly enough.

Alexey Krylov views the "Time" project as a preparatory stage for the next one, which is more interesting and complex, but at the same time accessible to understanding. His photographer plans to complete the project within the next two years.

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