Nanna Heitmann A traditional horse race in the steppe. Yenisei River, Kyzyl. Russia. 2018. From the series, “Hiding from Baba Yaga.”
“From time immemorial people have sought protection and freedom on the banks
(...) of the Yenisei River, whose stream I followed. My journey took me to Tyva Republic, where the Yenisei starts its journey. Arriving in Tyva in southern Siberia left a vivid mark on my memory. On the drive there, as you climb higher and higher, you cross endless forests and mountains. People I passed on the way warned me that although Tyva belongs to Russia it is like the Wild West. Suddenly, as I crossed the mountains, the forests ended, and the land opened out in front of me. I was engulfed by heat. I had entered the Tyva Republic: It felt like entering a different world.
On the day this picture was taken, a horse race was taking place. It was 43 degrees celsius and the boys had to race 30 km. The young rider shook off the rest of the group. For one moment it felt as though he was riding in the middle of the steppe alone, all by himself.”
- Nanna Heitmann © Nanna Heitmann | Magnum Photos
