Vilnius, Lithuania
One thing theme plagued me constantly while I was in Lithuania- the fierce juxtapostion of the continuing hope of Lithuanians and their progress in their world contrasted with the relics of Soviet oppression and dominance. The cold, crumbling cement boxes that dot the landscape outside Old Town and the power plant located outside the megaplex cinema are just constant reminders to me of what my relatives suffered through in this bleak landscape. This portrait reflects it perfectly- the strong, hopeful beams of light streaming through the sooty cloud that still has yet to lift.
I met a visiting ex-pat there who commented on how much he relished Soviet memorabilia- the recreated bunkers, statues, memorials or Lenin and such- and how “cool” they were. All the while not appreciating the suffering that occurred to our ancestors- essentially, being maimed or bludgeoned by the very same weapons and symbols of communist autonomy that he deems “so cool”. The energy of the city hangs heavy with the imprint of not only being conquered and being a war zone for hundreds of years, but also, participating in the horrors that occurred here.
I only hope that the sunset prevails.
18/01/2010 at 1:54 pm Permalink
OMG! Its near my home:)
18/01/2010 at 2:35 pm Permalink
incredible photo and very strong essay…very insightful.
please send over this photo and essay to me, i would like to print it in Bridges
Magazine, a lith-american monthly.
I hope you will let me print this and others essays you might have on Lithuania.
Birute
19/01/2010 at 9:12 am Permalink
Great insight. Lovely picture! Love all the green lights, such Kismet.
21/01/2010 at 7:21 am Permalink
things aren’t getting better..they just get worse day by day in lithuania. Tell you the truth- a lot of folks in ltu say that living in soviet union was better than it is now.