CONCIERGES

Modern life forces many people to make difficult decisions, and women of retirement age from small towns are no exception. In search of a livelihood, they travel to megacities like Moscow to work as concierges. This profession requires responsibility, resilience, and patience, but for women from small settlements, it is often one of the few available ways to earn an income.

Nearly all of them are elderly women who have already passed retirement age. However, their pensions are insufficient even for basic needs. As a result, they are forced to leave their homes and families, agreeing to demanding shift work. These women often spend months away from home, deprived of the warmth of family, communication with loved ones, and their familiar way of life.

Life in a megacity as a concierge is not only a physical but also an emotional challenge. They face loneliness, isolation, and often a lack of respect from residents daily. Despite this, many continue working to help their children and grandchildren, save for home repairs, or pay off debts.

This labor typically remains in the shadows, unnoticed by most. However, behind each concierge lies a story of struggle, resilience, and love for their families, for whom they leave the comfort of small towns and venture into the vast, yet cold and indifferent heart of the metropolis. I wanted them not to be forgotten, so their photographs are now displayed in many exhibitions, and they write to their relatives about this—who are proud of them.