Being Young

2025 — Ongoing

In today’s complex Latvian society, the young generation is actively reshaping the country’s future. They are addressing identity challenges in various ways, including bridging social divides stemming from the Soviet legacy, tackling the mental health crisis, advocating for gender equality, and engaging with national security concerns. 

By fostering religious dialogue, promoting historical education, providing psychological support, championing gender advocacy, and participating in political processes, they are building a more resilient social landscape amidst the tension between tradition and modernity.

Two female soldiers walk past the Freedom Monument in central Riga during a shift change. The monument, honoring soldiers killed in the Latvian War of Independence, is guarded around the clock.
Two female soldiers walk past the Freedom Monument in central Riga during a shift change. The monument, honoring soldiers killed in the Latvian War of Independence, is guarded around the clock.
Vladimir Bazarov, servant in Riga Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral. He fights with the tension between the Latvian heritage and the significant Russian-speaking population, a divide rooted in the country’s Soviet history, which he personally experiences as he is labeled a “fascist” in Russia and an outsider in Latvia. Despite these challenges, Vladimir channels his faith into fostering understanding and addressing social issues like alcoholism, trying to bridge the gap and create a more inclusive society through his church work.
Vladimir Bazarov, servant in Riga Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral. He fights with the tension between the Latvian heritage and the significant Russian-speaking population, a divide rooted in the country’s Soviet history, which he personally experiences as he is labeled a “fascist” in Russia and an outsider in Latvia. Despite these challenges, Vladimir channels his faith into fostering understanding and addressing social issues like alcoholism, trying to bridge the gap and create a more inclusive society through his church work.
Mareks Bērziņš, tour guide at the KGB building, part of the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia. Being a history student at Latvian University, while his initial career aspirations was communication science or movie making, he found himself drawn to history, particularly the opportunity to educate others about Latvia's past. He sees his role in the museum as a way to help people understand how Latvia's history has shaped its present. “Freedom is not taken for grant. ”
Mareks Bērziņš, tour guide at the KGB building, part of the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia. Being a history student at Latvian University, while his initial career aspirations was communication science or movie making, he found himself drawn to history, particularly the opportunity to educate others about Latvia's past. He sees his role in the museum as a way to help people understand how Latvia's history has shaped its present. “Freedom is not taken for grant. ”
View by the Daugava River in the south of Riga.
View by the Daugava River in the south of Riga.
Marks Burja, in his apartment building in Cukurfabrika, a small city near Riga. He studied computer engineering but now works in a casino. Like Marks, many graduates in Latvia find themselves in jobs unrelated to their field of study, often due to a lack of experience or skills demanded by employers. Mark's experience also underscores a sense of disillusionment, as he discovered his interests lie more in social interaction than in the tech field he initially pursued.
Marks Burja, in his apartment building in Cukurfabrika, a small city near Riga. He studied computer engineering but now works in a casino. Like Marks, many graduates in Latvia find themselves in jobs unrelated to their field of study, often due to a lack of experience or skills demanded by employers. Mark's experience also underscores a sense of disillusionment, as he discovered his interests lie more in social interaction than in the tech field he initially pursued.
Airsons RD, boxer.
Airsons RD, boxer.
Edgars Rupeiks, a young politician. Growing up as single lativan-speaking family in the russian-speaking community, he developed a strong connection to his country and its culture. He has been interested in politics since he was a young child. His involvement began with the Youth Guard, where he developed a strong sense of patriotism. This passion led him to join the National Alliance, where he is now the head of the youth organization and a board member of the party. “my biggest hope for Latvia is security . This includes not only the military security of Latvia and Europe overall but also the freedom of minds of the people. ”
Edgars Rupeiks, a young politician. Growing up as single lativan-speaking family in the russian-speaking community, he developed a strong connection to his country and its culture. He has been interested in politics since he was a young child. His involvement began with the Youth Guard, where he developed a strong sense of patriotism. This passion led him to join the National Alliance, where he is now the head of the youth organization and a board member of the party. “my biggest hope for Latvia is security . This includes not only the military security of Latvia and Europe overall but also the freedom of minds of the people. ”
Guns in one airsoft shop in Riga.
Guns in one airsoft shop in Riga.
College students rehearse Folk Ensemble Rotaļa at VEF Culture Palace in Riga, Latvia, at night.
College students rehearse Folk Ensemble Rotaļa at VEF Culture Palace in Riga, Latvia, at night.
Diāna Grasmane, transgender woman and activist, confronts societal norms and challenges in Latvia, using her visibility to advocate for queer and transgender people in transphobic misinformation. She sees herself as a “radical political act” rooted in kindness and respect. Through community engagement, Diana provides essential support to others while pushing for a more inclusive future, despite the personal toll of her activism.
Diāna Grasmane, transgender woman and activist, confronts societal norms and challenges in Latvia, using her visibility to advocate for queer and transgender people in transphobic misinformation. She sees herself as a “radical political act” rooted in kindness and respect. Through community engagement, Diana provides essential support to others while pushing for a more inclusive future, despite the personal toll of her activism.
Young couple kiss in a concert in Riga.
Young couple kiss in a concert in Riga.
Laura Jegorova, second-year psychology student pursuing her bachelor's degree. Her interest in psychology stems from her own experiences with mental health challenges, giving her a unique understanding of the subject. She hopes to use her knowledge to help others, particularly those with significant mental health struggles.
Laura Jegorova, second-year psychology student pursuing her bachelor's degree. Her interest in psychology stems from her own experiences with mental health challenges, giving her a unique understanding of the subject. She hopes to use her knowledge to help others, particularly those with significant mental health struggles.
Young people wait trains in Riga Central Train station.
Young people wait trains in Riga Central Train station.
Twilight view of Riga.
Twilight view of Riga.
Young poeple enjoy Nova Koma concert in Riga.
Young poeple enjoy Nova Koma concert in Riga.
Being Young. Zifan Zhang | Documentarist

Exhibited at the Sarajevo Photography Festival in June 2025, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.