Urban Explorer Tour with a French Photographer

In the summer of 2024, Damien and I embarked on a journey across Armenia, visiting urban and rural locations that embodied echoes of a bygone Soviet era. Following our adventure, Damien published a captivating photo series titled "Echoes of the Future" on his website, damienaubin.fr. His work explores the connection between Soviet past and contemporary Armenian life. As Damien describes it:

"Echoes of a Future is a photo series that allows me to explore the deep connection between the Soviet Union and Armenia today. I aim to capture the lingering echoes of Soviet ideals within contemporary Armenian life, while acknowledging that this reality is also a kind of fiction shaped by Soviet dreams."

When Damien learned about my intention to write an article about our tour, he strongly requested that I avoid publishing any photos of him, especially those of him in the act of photographing. So, in this article, you will see only the photos taken by him.

Throughout the tour, Damien’s unique approach to photography stood out. He was far from ordinary, with a distinctive and unconventional approach to photography. I could never predict when he would pull out his impressive, oversized camera to capture a shot. Often, while driving, he would ask me to stop abruptly, leaving me curious about what had caught his attention.

MiG-21 Fishbed on display outside Mikoyan Brothers' Museum in Sanahin village

Over time, however, his unique perspective became something I came to appreciate and expect. To better understand his creative vision, allow me to reference another passage from his article, which offers insight into his stream of consciousness:

"Each photograph I take is an attempt to reveal how these echoes of a Soviet-imagined future appear today. I strive to show how the structures and ideas of the past, partially realized, have given life to a fiction where the dreams of a bright future are both present and altered. Capturing these images, I sense a kind of dialogue between past and present—a silent conversation between past projects and current realities, colored by the unfinished ideals of Soviet dreams."

King Trdat Defeats the Bull, created in 1977 by sculptor Karlen Nurijanyan. Saralanj district of Abovyan city

No surprise, then, that his photo series beautifully captures the essence of Armenia’s Soviet legacy. As Damien wrote:

"As I walk through Armenia’s streets, I’m struck by how visions and plans from the Soviet past continue to resonate in the present. The imposing buildings, monuments marked by that era’s seal, and even elements of daily culture still carry traces of Soviet dreams and aspirations. Yet, this reality, though tangible, is infused with the imagined future the Soviets once held for Armenia."

Beyond photography, Damien's preferences and personality made this trip even more memorable. For one, he had a profound love for espresso, which became a challenge to find in Armenia's more remote regions—sometimes even harder than sneaking into abandoned buildings!

Mother Armenia in Victory Park, sculpted by Ara Harutyunyan

Damien was not just a passenger but a true co-pilot on this adventure. Unlike some travelers who are indifferent to the journey's details, Damien actively engaged, offering helpful advice while navigating rough roads, tight parking spots, tricky overtakes and photography secrets. His input was always welcome and genuinely useful.

He also coined a term for my driving style: "Suren style," which referred to my sharp turns without slowing down! Damien’s humor and camaraderie added a unique dynamic to the journey, making it one I will always cherish.

Thank you, Damien, for an incredible and inspiring week filled with discovery, creativity, and unforgettable moments!

Below are photos of Damien captured during his travels in Armenia.