Since our existence, the moon has been an ever-present focal point in a sea of stars. It has inspired, guided, and made the flow of time concrete with its waxing and waning. Novels, poetry, paintings, and songs have been made in its honor. Humans have been trying to win the moon’s favor for centuries. It’s presence is felt even in big cities, where most stars are drowned out by neon lights. It comes as a surprise, then, that the Private Moon of Russian artists Leonid Tishkov and Boris Bendikov truly stand out. Their glowing crescent moon stirs the same feeling as gazing up at a clear night’s sky.

Their unique and beautiful photos tell a story. It is one man’s discovery of and romance with the moon. This tiny glowing moon seems to fall to Earth, and hide out in some of its most interesting locations. Of the installation, Tishkov says that it is a "visual poem, telling the story about a man who found the Moon and stayed with her for the rest of his life." The moon is, indeed, discovered by one man, and travels with him throughout the set of photos. Together, they voyage over land and sea, and even share a bed. The photos are at once odd, humorous, and enchanting. The soft glow of the moon creates an otherworldy atmosphere and the scenes Bendikov and Tishkov create are wonderful.

 

 

The Private Moon has existed since 2005 and has traveled a lot since then.When the Private Moon is featured in an exhibition, viewers can  close to the glowing crescent. The moon has found homes all over the world. In Siberia, it even floated  down the Yenisei River. Although the Private Moon may not come stateside, Tishkov and Bendikov have collected an astounding collection of their photos online. Leonid Tishkov’s blog updates with each appearance of the Private Moon along with many of his other great projects.

 

 

Below is a video of the Private Moon on the water!