Moscow, 2004, at the school of the Moscow Art Theatre Possibly 2004 - 2014

Leo Rubinfien created this photograph at the Moscow Art Theatre School in 2004. This image captures the faces of young women, likely students, and offers a glimpse into the world of aspiring artists in post-Soviet Russia. The photograph subtly addresses the cultural shifts and negotiations of identity present in Russia at the time. The students are wearing a mix of Western-style clothing and hairstyles. The convergence of these styles reflects the complex interplay between tradition and modernity in the country. Rubinfien’s lens captures the hopes and uncertainties of youth navigating a rapidly changing society. The composition invites us to consider the aspirations, dreams, and emotional landscapes of these young women, and their place in a society undergoing profound transformation.