25 November 2014 – 5th January 2015

TORCH Gallery
Lauriergracht 94
1016 RN
Amsterdam
Netherlands
torchgallery.com

TORCH gallery Amsterdam is proud to host Dust; the most recent body of work by award-winning photographer Nadav Kander. For this latest project Kander investigated the hidden remnants of the Cold War, contained within a few secret cities on the border between Kazakhstan and Russia. With a clear interest in the poetic aesthetics of destruction and desolation, Kander spent three years reflecting on an area where hundreds of atomic bombs were tested. Contrary to the official reports, this area was still populated at the time of the tests. The unsuspecting inhabitants were closely monitored by scientists for the effects of nuclear radiation. Nadav Kander carefully explored the darker side of humanity while keeping a keen eye on the Geiger-counter attached to his belt.

Kurchatov and Priozersk, formally known as ‘Moscow 10', were closed cities, restricted military zones, concealed and not shown on maps until they were ‘discovered' via Google Earth. Made subject to scientists and warmongers, these sites were utilised for the covert testing of long distance missiles and atomic weapons. Hundreds of atomic bombs were detonated in the so-called "Polygon" near Kurchatov until the program ended in 1989. Levelled to preserve their military secrets, the areas now consist predominantly of the ruinous architecture and desolate landscapes featured in Kander's fascinating and hauntingly alluring photographs. Although these photographs are beautiful, they don't divert the attention from the horror of a global arms race. They stand testament to our more destructive side and evoke an atmosphere of hidden danger.

Dust will be the first solo-exhibition by Nadav Kander in the Netherlands.