Toma Gerzha
b. 2003 Russia
Based in Amsterdam (Netherlands)
‘Through my art, I delve into themes such as an Eastern European mindset, the feeling of not belonging, and the insider–outsider perspective. I’m motivated by different stories and different perspectives on life.
Control Refresh tells the story of a generation at a time of war, even if war fades into the background. War has many effects on society, including on the younger generation who are passively involved in the conflict. Over the past three years, I’ve visited teenagers in remote cities in Russia and neighbouring Eastern European countries, including Georgia, Armenia, Lithuania and Latvia, creating an extensive collection of photos of young people. They shared their vulnerability with me, brought me their boredom and told me about their dreams. Their lives are strongly influenced by traditions, social media and politics.
By the end of 2023, I had built up a collection of stories of young people in Eastern Europe, recording how their lives and choices are affected by political decisions in their countries. Without realising it, I created my own time capsule. In it, I record how a free country closes itself off from the world within a short time and how its inhabitants try to adapt to the changes.’
toma.art
instagram.com/tomafotograaf
Images:
1-Toma Gerzha, Nastya plays volleyball on a professional level, and together with her team she has travelled to most major cities in Russia. She is in the ninth grade and will soon be switched to another school to complete the last two years of classes., 2021, from the series Control Refresh © Toma Gerzha
2-Toma Gerzha, Anya and Ilya were in the same class at school. They both went to study at the university in Moscow. Soon they started dating. Now they drive to their hometown together on weekends. During summer they spend a lot of time there, mostly they stay at Ilya’s parents’ house., 2021, from the series Control Refresh © Toma Gerzha
3-Toma Gerzha, Spice advertisements can be found in cities, with phone numbers scribbled on walls. While adults pass by, teenagers know to text a number to receive details about the price, weight, and payment process, along with collection instructions. The spice packets are typically hidden in discreet locations like doorways, construction sites, parks, playgrounds, and bushes., 2022, from the series Control Refresh © Toma Gerzha
4-Toma Gerzha, Near the WHSD in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg is the second largest city in Russia after Moscow. Young people often prefer St. Petersburg to Moscow because of the number of youth orientated places., 2021, from the series Control Refresh © Toma Gerzha
5-Toma Gerzha, My own shadow near the bus stop in the morning., 2023, from the series Control Refresh © Toma Gerzha
6-Toma Gerzha, A typical Soviet panelka. A panelka is a type of prefabricated concrete apartment building constructed in the Soviet Union from the 1950s to the 1990s. Designed for mass housing, panelki are characterized by their uniform, functional design and quick assembly from precast concrete panels., 2023, from the series Control Refresh © Toma Gerzha
7-Toma Gerzha, Semyon studies in Saint Petersburg and works in food delivery. He lives in a student accommodation and during the summer he visits his parents in Udomlya., 2023, from the series Control Refresh © Toma Gerzha
Bringing together 66 artists from across the world, Photo Elysée celebrates emerging talent with the touring exhibition Gen Z: Shaping a New Gaze, currently on display at Fotografie Forum Frankfurt, Germany, until 30 August 2026. As media partner, 1000 Words is featuring the work and accompanying texts of all participating artists in our weekly column dedicated to new voices in contemporary photography.
