In April 2016, during a trip to Moscow, photographer Sarah Blesener stumbled upon a cadet class learning how to dismantle AK-47s and get in and out of biohazard suits quickly. This jarring sight, combined with a growing interest in patriotic ideology being taught to kids, inspired Blesener to document patriotic clubs, education and summer camps in Russia, eventually resulting in her aptly titled, ongoing series, “Toy Soldiers.”
Currently, about 200,000 Russian youths are enrolled in patriotic clubs—each with their own structures and philosophies—a number that is likely on the rise due to a program the Russian government recently proposed, “Patriotic education of citizens of the Russian Federation for 2016-2020.” Traveling by bus and train and living in tents at the camps, Blesener kept her gear as simple as possible, bringing only a DSLR camera, a couple of lenses, a monopod and audio equipment.
“Toy Soldiers” stems from Blesener’s larger desire to understand the world and foster empathy. “Photography is incredibly political, critical and necessary to address stereotypes, confront our own fears and weaknesses, and talk about issues that otherwise would be left on the sidelines,” she explains. Keen on continuing to investigate nationalism, Blesener, who is a recent graduate of the International Center of Photography, cites its dean, Fred Ritchin, as being a major influence on her ideology as a photojournalist. She plans to expand the work to include the United States and Europe, focusing specifically on how youth are taught these ideologies.
—Amy Touchette
All photos © Sarah Blesener
A fake grenade is launched, setting smoke in the atmosphere as students practice a drill with air-soft guns at Военно-Исторический Лагерь Бородино 2016, the Historical-War Camp, in Borodino, Russia. 29 July 2016.
A unit dresses to re-enact Soviet Russia during WWII as part of their historical education. Военно-Исторический Лагерь Бородино 2016, the Historical-War Camp, in Borodino, Russia. 26 July 2016.
Students stand ready as a teacher observes how quickly they can dress in gas masks, 4 Apr 2016, School #7, Dmitrov, Russia.
Students train in firearms at Военно-Исторический Лагерь Бородино 2016, the Historical-War Camp, in Borodino, Russia. 24 July 2016.
Students escape the heat and watch war films at Военно-Исторический Лагерь Бородино 2016, the Historical-War Camp, in Borodino, Russia. 26 July 2016.
A unit dresses to re-enact Soviet Russia during WWII as part of their historical education. Военно-Исторический Лагерь Бородино 2016, the Historical-War Camp, in Borodino, Russia. 26 July 2016.
Igor Fast (14) from Stavropol practices shooting before the start of “Orthodox Warrior” camp. They are using air-soft guns for practice and competitions. “Orthodox Warrior” camp takes place in Diveevo, the center of pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians in Russia, 31 July, 2016.
Students from Stavropol rest in their tent before sleeping at camp. Without electricity, the students use their phones and flaslights to play games. “Orthodox Warrior” camp takes place in Diveevo, the center of pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians in Russia, 3 August 2016.
Dmitri Tanaga (16) during a drill in the forest with his teamp from Stavropol. The group is practicing for an upcoming “fake war” between groups at “Orthodox Warrior” camp. They are using air-soft guns for the practice and competitions. “Orthodox Warrior” camp takes place in Diveevo, the center of pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians in Russia, 1 August 2016.
Schoolchildren line up for drill on a Monday afternoon at School #7, 4 Apr 2016, Dmitrov, Russia.
This article originally appeared in Emerging Photographer Winter 2016.
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