Over the last two years, because of my frequent stays in the North Caucasus, I have often been asked by government officials to explain the nature of my research in the region. When they learn that I am focusing on counter-terrorism, they invariably flare up, accusing me of negative bias. I've tried to retort that I'm interested in representing all sides of the story, and that being critical of the counter-terrorism regime does not equal aiding the insurgency, but in vain. Eventually I had to ask where and what was "OK" to photograph. Weekend is a series of photographs documented at the locations suggested by the officials who took issue with my presence in the region. It follows that pictures of these locations should show the opposite of those dealing with the negative political tensions in the region. The result is an invitation to look beyond the conflict, and consider who owns and uses these spaces, and whether an understanding of a region's political terrain could be possible through this series.
