Microkhan by Brendan I. Koerner

Everybody Loves the Sunshine

March 15th, 2013 · 2 Comments

Ukraine BeachHaving been raised to think that all of the Soviet Bloc resembled the drab realm depicted in this infamous Wendy’s ad, I’m always amused to come across depictions of our Cold War foes basking in the sun. The photo above, of a crowded beach in Odessa, is part of a terrific Ian Berry series from 1982, which includes several more shots of Ukrainians of varying shapes and sizes stretched out on the sand—along with more stereotypical depictions of the city’s bleak corners. Check out a great sampling from the collection here, via the always stellar Vintage Everyday.

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2 Comments so far ↓

  • Gramsci

    I remember “SVEEM-VAIR!” but I actually think I would have found this photo more effective as propaganda about economic development. On the other hand I would have felt more human connection rather than nuke-lust, which made it entirely unacceptable for the 80’s. BTW, this would have made for a jarring, unintentionally comical still for Sting’s “Russians” video.

  • Brendan I. Koerner

    @Gramsci: I have a really complicated relationship with that Sting song.