Pamir, 2016 is a video work in progress shot in the Badakshan region of Tajikistan during the September 2015 wheat harvest. This beautiful region is isolated by high mountains and inferior access roads. The Panj River in the background forms the border with Afghanistan. The labor involved in processing wheat is done by men and women young and old, with children having an active role. Grain is cut, winnowed, sifted, sorted and separated to become pure wheat for bread. This work in this setting supports my ideas about eternal labor. Pamir essential culture is ongoing and self sustaining - in some ways timeless. Pamir cultural life opposes globalization - a far off culture that remains intact making the world a bigger place instead of a smaller one.
Michael Pribich