It is said that traveling photographers have the most beautiful collection of photos. But, most of it is about the people, scenery or grand buildings the lens guy came across during his travels. This man named Christopher Herwig went out for the exact same thing, to capture the endless expanse of the beautiful Central Asia, much of which belonged to the now defunct Soviet Union. But, at the end of the journey he found out that in addition to the earlier landscape snaps, he had also amassed thousands and thousands of Soviet-era bus stops, each more bizarrely aesthetic than last.
His collection spans a wide range of countries, mostly belonging to Central Asian countries and Eastern European nations, all of whom once were a part of the USSR and we had limited access there. These simple, yet different bus stops show us how the Soviet world wasn’t all art-hating hegemony after all. In fact, you would be hard-pushed to find art in such a humble place in many places around the world!
Here are some of the pictures he took of those fascinating bus stations. No doubt, they were his stops along the way.
The region of Abkhazia from Georgia is a disputed territory. This bus stop’s beauty and architectural finesse, however can’t be disputed.
This one’s architect refused to design a roof on artistic principles, according to Herwig!
Some stops in Abkhazia are remnants of the industrial prowess of the country.
This tiny mosque-shaped bus stop looks phenomenal in the middle of nowhere in Kazakhstan.
Much of the small-scale stops and other buildings is hugely influenced by subtle religious values. Here is another proof.
Many of these stops are a distance away from the nearest dwelling.
Due to remote locations, many of these bus stops were made from readily available materials. In this location in Estonia, they are made from wood.
Other stops in the tiny country have colors to add to the flair.
In the relatively bigger Belarus, the stops are made from stone.
You can encounter varying types of shapes along the way, including triangles!
Many of the Belarusian stops are triangular in design.
Other ones though not entirely triangle shaped, give off the same vibe.
In the war-torn Ukraine, however, there are a lot of sunflowers so the stops have painted sunflowers throughout.
InKyrgyzstan’s bus stop, the shade is provided by a dove’s wings. Maybe it’s a sign of peace!
Armenia’s Saratek village, however, incorporates simpler designs.
This is also from Armenia.
The battered condition shows how neglected they are in this country.
The Kazakh city of Taraz is his favorite. This is a specimen from that city.
Lithuania has similar designs, bit smaller appearance.
Another odd design to awe people waiting there!
Another intricate stop from his collection. It is an underrated art in the world, but Herwig is glad he brought some of it in the attention of people.
