Russian Criminal Tattoo Archive

The Russian Criminal Tattoo Archive contains facsimile reproductions of tattoos by prison guard Danzig Baldaev, authenticated by his signature and stamp, alongside his handwritten notes on the reverse. Sergei Vasiliev's photographs portray inmates in startling intimacy, and Arkady Bronnikov's collection of photographs are shown in the albums in which they were collected. This unique book is the only publication of primary material on this subject, highlighting the pioneering methods of these three individuals used to document this unique phenomenon.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 13 April 2023
Publisher: FUEL Publishing

The Russian Criminal Tattoo Archive offers a captivating glimpse into the world of tattoos and their significance within the context of the Soviet Gulag system. This remarkable collection, previously unpublished in its original form, comprises a diverse range of authentic materials. These include ink on paper drawings by Danzig Baldaev, photographic albums by Arkady Bronnikov, and prisoner portraits by Sergei Vasiliev.

To provide a deeper understanding of the selected pieces, Mark Vincent PhD, an author and academic with expertise in the Soviet Gulag, and Alison Nordström, a photography scholar, writer, and curator, have contributed insightful contextualization.

The meticulous depictions of tattoos by prison guard Danzig Baldaev are reproduced in facsimile, authenticated by his signature and stamp, alongside his handwritten notes on the reverse. The paper has yellowed with age, giving the exquisite drawings a visceral temporality, almost like skin.

Sergei Vasiliev's photographs portray inmates in startling intimacy. He achieves a remarkable level of trust within the closed criminal society, a strict hierarchy, where outsiders are viewed with hostile suspicion.

Arkady Bronnikov's collection of photographs is showcased in the albums in which they were collected. Used exclusively to aid police in their investigations, they depict a motley line-up of assorted body parts.

This unique book stands as the sole publication of primary material on this subject, highlighting the pioneering methods employed by these three individuals to document this extraordinary phenomenon.

The Russian Criminal Tattoo Archive serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity of those who endured the hardships of the Gulag system. Through these visual representations, we gain a deeper appreciation for the experiences and stories of those who were subjected to the system's brutalities.

Weight: 1284g
Dimension: 211 x 274 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781739887803