The Amazing Sergey Tsygankov

An amazing photographer with an equally amazing story is in town. See his work here (and through Thursday at Gallery Bistro).

It's our distinct privilege here at the 417 Blog to introduce you to Sergey Tsygankov, a Russian photographer with a most amazing story. You can read his full biography here, but here it is in a nutshell:

He was born in Siberia in the early '70s, entering the Russian military, like all young men, at age 18. This was during the fall of Communism, and a great time of upheaval in the former USSR. Having converted to Christianity shortly before entering, however, Sergey refused to take the military oath and was put in holding cell for two months.

A medical problem--and a profound relationship with his captors--eventually secured his release and freed him of military obligation. He took a job at a Russian nuclear plant and picked back up his hobby of photography. In that, he found success, eventually working with and for some of the most powerful people in Moscow. As you can see, his photos are primarily of people, and capture a variety of clear emotion. His calling card is catching people in mid-air, which you can see in a variety of photos here.

He still lives in Moscow with his wife and children, but dreams of making his home in the United States. He's been traveling here, and has landed in Springfield. For the next two nights only, his work is on display at Gallery Bistro, where owner Peter Tinson enjoyed Sergey's work enough to display it (it comes down Friday in preparation for another display for First Friday Art Walk). Take a look at the gallery of Sergey's work here, and then make plans to visit Gallery Bistro tonight or Thursday to see it in real life.