Home Made Russia: Post-Soviet Folk Artefacts

In an age of in-built obsolescence, Home Made Russia showcases over 220 artefacts of Soviet culture, each accompanied by a photograph and story of the creator. The Vladimir Arkhipov collection includes unique objects made from everyday materials during a period of transition, reflecting the country's situation of shortages and wage issues.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2022
Publisher: FUEL Publishing

In an era of rapidly diminishing lifespan, the remarkable aspect lies in the individuality and distinct personalities of these objects. Each one possesses a story, a narrative that adds depth and richness to its existence. This stands in stark contrast to the prevailing trend of built-in obsolescence, where products are designed to have a limited lifespan, forcing consumers to constantly upgrade and replace them.

Home Made Russia, a reprinted edition of a beloved book from 2006, presents a captivating collection of over 220 artefacts of Soviet culture. Each artefact is accompanied by a photograph of its creator, sharing their story of how the object came to be, its intended function, and the materials used in its creation.

The Vladimir Arkhipov collection is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the Soviet people during a period of transition. It showcases hundreds of objects that were crafted with unique functional qualities, designed for both indoor and outdoor use. These objects range from a tiny bathtub plug fashioned from a boot heel to a back massager made from an old wooden abacus, a road sign repurposed as a street cleaner's shovel, and a doormat created from beer bottle tops.

Home Made Russia offers a unique perspective on a critical period of transition. As the Soviet regime crumbled, a new system was yet to emerge. Shortages in stores were commonplace, and wages were often paid in goods or not paid at all. These exceptional circumstances fostered a remarkable sense of ingenuity, as individuals found innovative ways to adapt and survive. Vladimir Arkhipov meticulously documented these ingenious solutions, providing a intimate glimpse into the lives of the creators and the prevailing circumstances of the time.

Through the objects featured in Home Made Russia, we gain a window into the lives of the creators and the socio-economic landscape of the Soviet Union during a transformative period. Each artefact carries a story, a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the human spirit. This collection serves as a reminder of the value of craftsmanship, the power of creativity, and the ability of ordinary people to overcome extraordinary challenges.

Dimension: 200 x 120 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781916218475