Tim Parchikov

The 'Burning News' project poses the problem of how human consciousness reacts when the flow of information – the 'hot news' constantly bombarding it – reaches a critical point.

Against a snowy landscape, the people in these photographs clutch burning newspapers. Unaware that the flame creeping towards their faces is scorching their hands.

With the appearance of mass media, news as a phenomenon is becoming an important part of our social existence. 'Burning news' has to rouse the consciousness, inflame the heart and render the intellect incandescent. The newspaper 'Iskra' ('Spark') appeared in the early 20th century. The metaphorical title corresponds to its agenda, as realised by the Bolsheviks – to ignite a revolution. In the early 21st century the flow of news is reaching such intensity that each new item of 'burning news' torches and annihilates its predecessor. But with the opposite effect – instead of exciting us the opposite happens – an effect of anaesthesia. Over-stimulated by this flow of information, the mind sinks into anabiosis. Into a state like winter hibernation.