 The permanent monument of Denis Alekseevich Mikhailov (1983-2024), a 40-year-old soldier whose polished black granite headstone displays a detailed engraving of him in full combat gear, holding a rifle and wearing a parachute badge, alongside a real blue beret left as a personal tribute. The grave is flanked by the blue and yellow flag of the VDV (Airborne Forces) with the motto "Nobody, but us," underscoring his elite unit affiliation, while surrounding graves show a mix of portrait styles and military banners, reflecting the individualized yet collective nature of the memorialization. "Alley of Heroes" at Cemetery of the Victims of January 9, St. Petersburg, Russia, October 4, 2025  The diverse visual language of mourning in the "Alley of Heroes," showing a mix of permanent granite monuments and temporary graves decorated with flags, including the Russian Imperial black-yellow-white tricolor and a Soviet red banner. In the foreground, the polished black headstone of Ivan Vladimirovich Semenov (1995-2024) features a color portrait of the 28-year-old soldier, while nearby, two women stand amidst the graves, highlighting the cemetery as an active site of personal grief. The scene captures the juxtaposition of varied ideological symbols--imperial, communist, and modern state--united within the shared space of military sacrifice. Cemetery of the Victims of January 9, St. Petersburg, Russia, October 4, 2025  "Alley of Heroes," a section of the cemetery dedicated to Russian soldiers killed in the war in Ukraine. In the foreground stands a permanent black granite monument featuring a detailed engraving of a soldier in combat gear with the "Z" insignia and a stoic epitaph reading, "Having given everything, I will not rise from the dust... I, having killed the fear within myself, fought". The background reveals rows of additional graves densely adorned with wreaths and flags representing various military branches (including the VDV and Naval Infantry) and private military contractors, illustrating the ongoing scale and diverse composition of the casualties. Cemetery of the Victims of January 9, St. Petersburg, Russia, October 4, 2025  The expanding scale of the "Alley of Heroes," with construction machinery visible in the left background clearing land for new burial plots, confirming the site s active status. The foreground displays a dense cluster of polished granite monuments flanked by diverse military insignia, including the St. Andrew[CloseCurlyQuote]s flag of the Navy and a unit banner for a Motorized Rifle formation, reflecting the hybrid force structure composed of regular troops, mobilized personnel, and specialized units. Cemetery of the Victims of January 9, St. Petersburg, Russia, October 4, 2025  Religious and symbolic narrative of sacrifice, featuring a granite monument with an elaborate engraving of a soldier ascending a staircase toward a welcoming Christ-like figure and a birch tree, blending Christian theology with Russian nationalism. The epitaph laments, "You loved life... But the thread was cut too soon," emphasizing personal loss alongside martial duty. In the background, a chaotic array of VDV (Airborne Forces) and Russian flags flies over rows of fresh, temporary graves, contrasting the permanent serenity of the foreground monument with the raw immediacy of ongoing casualties. "Alley of Heroes" at Cemetery of the Victims of January 9, St. Petersburg, Russia, October 4, 2025  The grave of Alexey Vladimirovich Suslov (1976-2024), a 47-year-old casualty whose age reflects Russia s reliance on older reservists and volunteers rather than just young conscripts. His polished black granite monument features a casual color portrait and the epitaph "We were left without you, You remained with us," asserting a continuing spiritual bond despite death. The background juxtaposes the solemn "Alley of Heroes" with modern commercial buildings, visually grounding the war s toll within the everyday urban landscape of St. Petersburg. Cemetery of the Victims of January 9, St. Petersburg, Russia, October 4, 2025  The "initial stage" of memorialization, where fresh earthen graves are crowded with temporary wooden crosses and a profusion of military banners, including the VDV (Airborne Forces) and St. Andrew[CloseCurlyQuote]s Naval flags. The foreground features the grave of Mikhail Ilyich Svyatkin (1986-2025), a 39-year-old casualty, whose cross is adorned with a framed photo of him in uniform, exemplifying the typical profile of recent losses. The scene is saturated with patriotic symbols, including a flag depicting a tank with the slogan "Victory will be ours" and another with the Order of the Great Patriotic War, linking the current conflict to historical narratives of Soviet heroism. "Alley of Heroes" at Cemetery of the Victims of January 9, St. Petersburg, Russia, October 4, 2025  The initial "temporary" stage of burial, showing rows of fresh earthen mounds topped with simple wooden Orthodox crosses and small identification plaques. Despite the lack of permanent monuments, the graves are densely decorated with vibrant artificial flowers and a profusion of flags--including the Russian tricolor, a Soviet hammer-and-sickle banner, and the flag of Uzbekistan--highlighting the diverse origins and ideological affiliations of the recently deceased. The raw, uneven ground and the sheer number of identical crosses extending into the background visually confirm the high volume of recent casualties processed at the site. "Alley of Heroes" at Cemetery of the Victims of January 9, St. Petersburg, Russia, October 4, 2025  A cluster of fresh graves from the summer of 2025, including that of Igor Vadimovich Lebedev (1969-2025), a 56-year-old casualty. The scene is densely packed with temporary wooden crosses, massive wreaths in the Russian tricolor, and various unit flags--including the VDV (Airborne Forces) and Motorized Rifle Troops--while a lone mourner in the background tends to a plot, emphasizing the personal grief amidst the mass scale of death. "Alley of Heroes" at Cemetery of the Victims of January 9, St. Petersburg, Russia, October 4, 2025  The "initial stage" of memorialization, where fresh earthen graves are densely covered in massive wreaths of artificial flowers and a forest of flags. In the foreground, the wooden cross of Aleksandr Vitalyevich Rogachev (1964-2025) identifies a 61-year-old casualty, representative of the older demographic of mobilized soldiers and volunteers. The scene highlights the diverse composition of the forces, with the flag of Uzbekistan visible in the background--indicating the recruitment of foreign nationals--while a lone mourner tends to a grave amidst the dense rows, adding a human scale to the extensive loss. "Alley of Heroes" at Cemetery of the Victims of January 9, St. Petersburg, Russia, October 4, 2025  The "initial stage" of mass burial, depicting a dense field of fresh earthen mounds marked only by temporary wooden crosses and overwhelmed by a sea of Russian tricolors, Soviet red banners, and VDV flags. The ground is raw and uneven, with a single permanent black granite curb visible in the foreground as the only sign of the eventual transition to formal memorialization. In the background, industrial infrastructure frames the scene, emphasizing the integration of this expanding military necropolis into the everyday civilian landscape of St. Petersburg "Alley of Heroes" at Cemetery of the Victims of January 9, St. Petersburg, Russia, October 4, 2025  A granite monument bearing the poignant epitaph, "My today is a sacrifice for your tomorrow," framing the soldier[CloseCurlyQuote]s death as a redemptive gift to future generations. The grave is flanked by the black and yellow flags of the Motorized Rifle Troops--Russia s primary ground combat formations--distinguished by the Kalashnikov insignia and the motto "Loyalty". In the background, rows of temporary wooden crosses extend into the distance, contrasting the finished memorial with the raw, fresh graves of recent casualties. "Alley of Heroes" at Cemetery of the Victims of January 9, St. Petersburg, Russia, October 4, 2025  Wide-angle view of the overwhelming scale of the cemetery s "temporary" sector, where row upon row of fresh earthen graves stretch toward the horizon, each topped with a dense carpet of wreaths and a chaotic thicket of flags. The visual field is dominated by the Russian tricolor, but punctuated by Soviet red banners, VDV (Airborne) flags, and Naval ensigns, reflecting the "hybrid" composition of forces. The raw, unpaved ground and the sheer density of the burials underscore the industrial pace of the war s casualties, set against a mundane urban backdrop that integrates this mass death into daily life. "Alley of Heroes" at Cemetery of the Victims of January 9, St. Petersburg, Russia, October 4, 2025  Revealing the multinational and irregular composition of the Russian forces, featuring the flag of Uzbekistan prominently displayed alongside the black "Assault Troops" banner and the Russian tricolor. In the foreground, the grave of Aleksandr Borisovich Vasiliev (1973-2025), a 52-year-old soldier, is marked by a framed photograph of him in combat gear standing in a field, humanizing the older demographic of recent casualties. The scene captures the raw, crowded nature of the "initial stage" of burial, with fresh earthen mounds and a chaotic mix of personal and military symbols extending into the background. "Alley of Heroes" at Cemetery of the Victims of January 9, St. Petersburg, Russia, October 4, 2025  The diverse visual languages of mourning in the "Alley of Heroes," contrasting a solemn monochrome engraving of a soldier in full combat gear--distinguished by the Order of Courage medal--with the vibrant, smiling color portrait of Yuri Bogdanov on the adjacent grave. The background is saturated with a chaotic array of flags, including the black-yellow-white Russian Imperial tricolor and red Soviet banners, visually capturing the "hybrid" ideological landscape, where conflicting historical symbols are merged to support the war effort. Cemetery of the Victims of January 9, St. Petersburg, Russia, October 4, 2025  The dense, chaotic stage of recent burial in the "Alley of Heroes," where fresh earthen graves are overwhelmed by a profusion of flags, including the Russian tricolor, the blue flag of the Aerospace Forces (VKS), and banners of various volunteer and assault units. The foreground shows a simple wooden cross with a framed photo of a young soldier, surrounded by vibrant wreaths of artificial flowers, while in the background, a woman walks amongst the rows, emphasizing the cemetery s role as an active site of public mourning. The sheer number of flags and the raw state of the ground visually confirm a continuous, high-volume flow of casualties processed at this site. Cemetery of the Victims of January 9, St. Petersburg, Russia, October 4, 2025  The grave of Mikhail Ilyich Svyatkin (1986-2025), a 39-year-old soldier whose death in May 2025 aligns with the surge in casualties during the spring and summer of that year. His wooden cross bears a framed photo of him in combat gear holding a rifle, surrounded by wreaths inscribed "From Mother," highlighting the personal grief embedded in the mass loss. The background is crowded with similar fresh graves, flags, and flowers, reinforcing the density and continuity of the burials at this active military cemetery. "Alley of Heroes" at Cemetery of the Victims of January 9, St. Petersburg, Russia, October 4, 2025  "Section 69 A" marker within the "temporary" burial sector, where fresh earthen mounds stretch toward a forested perimeter, contrasting the ordered numbering system with the raw immediacy of mass death. A solitary mourner in a green coat stands quietly by a cross, tending to flowers amidst a sea of Russian tricolors and unit flags, including the blue and yellow banner of the Aerospace Forces, adding a human scale to the vast, impersonal landscape of casualties. The scene highlights the rapid expansion of the cemetery, with the dense rows of wooden crosses indicating the continuous flow of new burials. "Alley of Heroes" at Cemetery of the Victims of January 9, St. Petersburg, Russia, October 4, 2025  The ideological complexity of the war s memorialization, dominated by a large red Soviet flag flying prominently over fresh graves, invoking nostalgia for the USSR s military power alongside Russian tricolors and VDV (Airborne Forces) banners. In the foreground, the grave of Arkady Vasilyevich Kovalchuk (1974-2024), who died at age 50, exemplifies the demographic trend of older men bearing a significant share of casualties. The scene is one of dense, vibrant mourning, with mounds of artificial flowers covering the raw earth, set against a backdrop of modern commercial buildings that anchor the cemetery in the contemporary urban landscape. "Alley of Heroes" at Cemetery of the Victims of January 9, St. Petersburg, Russia, October 4, 2025  The dense visual cacophony of the cemetery s "temporary" section, where rows of wooden crosses are submerged in a sea of Russian tricolors and military intelligence (GRU/Spetsnaz) flags bearing the bat insignia. In the foreground, the grave of Kirill Arkadyevich Sharkov (1975-2025), a 49-year-old casualty, is marked by a simple cross and a photo of him in uniform, surrounded by wreaths in patriotic red, white, and blue colors. The scene conveys the sheer volume of recent losses, with flags fluttering chaotically over uneven mounds of earth, while a tractor in the far left background hints at the ongoing expansion of the burial grounds. "Alley of Heroes" at Cemetery of the Victims of January 9, St. Petersburg, Russia, October 4, 2025  The dense concentration of recent casualties, with fresh earthen mounds tightly packed together and adorned with the ubiquitous Russian tricolor. In the foreground, the grave of Aleksandr Vladimirovich Dementyev (1962-2025) is marked by a wooden cross and a color portrait, identifying a 63-year-old soldier whose age highlights the heavy toll on older reservists and volunteers. The background reveals the integration of the cemetery into the urban fabric, with modern commercial buildings visible just beyond the sea of flags and wreaths, grounding the war[CloseCurlyQuote]s losses in the everyday reality of St. Petersburg. "Alley of Heroes" at Cemetery of the Victims of January 9, St. Petersburg, Russia, October 4, 2025  Blending of religious and patriotic symbolism in the "Alley of Heroes". The foreground monument features a poignant epitaph addressing the deceased ("And you stand before our eyes, Alive... We keep you in our hearts") alongside an elaborate engraving of a soldier ascending a staircase toward a Christ-like figure, framing death as a spiritual journey. In the background, a distinctive broken-heart monument depicts a split image of a bridge at night surrounded by flags from various military branches, including the VDV and Russian Naval Infantry. Cemetery of the Victims of January 9, St. Petersburg, Russia, October 4, 2025  Dynamic display of autumn color and texture in Upper Park. The image highlights a grove of white-barked trees--likely birch or aspen--whose bright trunks are textured with patches of green moss and lichen. These vertical lines contrast beautifully with the chaotic, horizontal spread of the crimson undergrowth (likely wild shrubs like dogwood). Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  A view of the installation specifically focuses on the memorial dedicated to Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition leader who died in a penal colony on February 16, 2024. The central poster explicitly states "PUTIN KILLED NAVALNY" in bold red and black letters, echoing the sentiments of protestors worldwide who hold the Kremlin responsible for his death. Below the text is a large, stylized black-and-white portrait of Navalny, marked with the date of his death, February 16, 2024. The main poster is surrounded by smaller photos, drawings, and messages from supporters, including a quote in Russian: "Everything will be fine. And even if it isn t, we will console ourselves that we were honest people". The memorial is integrated into the broader anti-war protest, with signs like "STOPTHEWAR" and "NETVOYNE" (No to War) visible alongside Ukrainian colors. A yellow poster in the background calls for freedom for political prisoners ("SVOBODU POLITZAKLYUCHONNYM"). Tallinn, Estonia, October 16, 2025  Septarian nodule-like texture of back of a black granite tomb in Smolenskoe Lutheran Cemetery on Dekabristov Island. Saint Petersburg, Russia, August 12, 2024  "Golden Autumn" in Upper Park. The image highlights a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees. Tall spruce trees (dark green) stand in contrast to the vibrant yellow of the maples and lindens, creating a rich texture and color palette typical of the Upper Park s diverse planting design. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Close-up of the "Adam s Head" (or "The Old Man") revealing the intricate craftsmanship carved directly into the granite boulder, highlighting its weathered texture and mysterious expression. The close view emphasizes the deeply carved eyes with distinct eyelids and pupils, gazing upward in a look of eternal surprise or contemplation. The nose is prominent and well-defined. The sculpture s rough granite surface is speckled with wet, yellow maple leaves, which contrast with the dark grey stone and emphasize its seamless, "sunken" placement within the forest floor. Sergievka Park, Old Peterhof, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2025  Granite and iron bridge in Sergievka Park. The bridge s corners are anchored by sturdy, rough-hewn granite bollards (posts) with rounded tops, which support a decorative black iron railing. The railing features a simple, geometric lattice pattern, typical of the functional yet aesthetic engineering found in the Peterhof estate parks. Old Peterhof, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2025  Button lichen (Buellia) on a polished granite surface of Bible on a tomb in Odd Fellow Cemetery. Anderson, Texas, December 31, 2018  Close up of button lichen (Buellia) on a polished granite surface of Bible on a tomb in Odd Fellow Cemetery. Anderson, Texas, December 31, 2018  Granite tomb with fluorescent crustose lichens in ultraviolet light in City Cemetery. Bryan, Texas, October 24, 2024  Broken granite stone on a large damaged tomb in Smolenskoe Lutheran Cemetery on Dekabristov Island. Saint Petersburg, Russia, August 12, 2024  This wide-angle view of Pikk Street (Pikk ta"nav) showcases a striking contrast of architectural styles, featuring two of the street s most notable buildings at addresses Pikk 18 and Pikk 20. The Dragon Gallery (Pikk 18): To the right stands one of Tallinn s most eccentric Art Nouveau masterpieces, designed by architect Jacques Rosenbaum and completed in 1910. Its fac,ade is a riot of symbolism, featuring two large dragons flanking the ground-floor window (hence the name "Draakoni Galerii") and Egyptian-inspired sphinxes and female figures on the upper levels. The curved bay window and elaborate curvilinear gable are hallmarks of Rosenbaum s highly decorative style. It currently houses an art gallery run by the Estonian Artists Association. On the left is the St. Canute s Guild Hall (Kanuti Gildi Hoone). This complex facade, with its statues of St. Canute (King of Denmark) and Martin Luther, dates to a major reconstruction in the 1860s in the Tudor Gothic style. Historically, this was the headquarters for the Guild of St. Canute, which organized the city s master artisans (goldsmiths, hatters, bakers, etc.). Today, it functions as the Kanuti Gildi SAAL, a contemporary performing arts center, October 16, 2025  Stones scattered on a granite base on a beach of Vyborg Bay on Storozhok Peninsula near granite quarry near Stony Trail (Kamenistaya Tropa) in Kivi Park south from Chulkovo, west from Vyborg. Russia, July 27, 2024  This view of the installation near the Russian embassy on Pikk Street captures a broader perspective of the protest site, showing how it stretches along the sidewalk in front of the embassy building. The white banner in the foreground originally read "FOR THE VICTIMS OF WARS STARTED BY RUSSIA" (with the Russian translation on the right). However, someone has vandalized the sign by crossing out "RUSSIA" and scrawling "US" and a Star of David (hexagram) over it. This act of vandalism attempts to deflect blame from Russia by invoking anti-American and antisemitic tropes, a tactic often seen in pro-Kremlin disinformation campaigns. On the left side of the street, the building with the distinctive Art Nouveau facade (Pikk 18) houses the Ron Verlin salon, visible through the large arched window. This contrasts the elegant, peaceful commercial life of the street with the raw political conflict playing out just meters away. The fencing extends far down the street, covered in layers of posters, flags, and messages. This indicates the sustained nature of the demonstration, which has become a semi-permanent fixture in the Old Town since the start of the full-scale invasion. Tallinn, Estonia, October 16, 2025  Granite tomb of Bertha Maria Pallisen (died in 1864) in Smolenskoe Lutheran Cemetery on Dekabristov Island. Saint Petersburg, Russia, August 12, 2024  Large damaged granite tomb of unknown person on 19-th section in Smolenskoe Lutheran Cemetery on Dekabristov Island. Saint Petersburg, Russia, August 12, 2024  Pine trees growing among granite stones on a beach of Vyborg Bay on Storozhok Peninsula near granite quarry near Stony Trail (Kamenistaya Tropa) in Kivi Park south from Chulkovo, west from Vyborg. Russia, July 27, 2024  Caloplaca and Xanthoparmelia lichens on a granite tombstone when exposed to regular daylight as well as when illuminated by a 365 nm ultraviolet (UV-A) blacklight in City Cemetery. Bryan, Texas, October 24, 2024  Firedot lichen Caloplaca on a granite tombstone of Herne when exposed to regular daylight as well as when illuminated by a 365 nm ultraviolet (UV-A) blacklight in City Cemetery. Bryan, Texas, October 24, 2024  This view emphasizes the imposing nature of Hermann Castle while revealing the stark reality of the modern frontier. From this angle, the Tall Hermann Tower looms directly overhead, showcasing its 51-meter height and white-washed stone upper sections. The massive limestone walls of the fortress rise steeply from the riverbank, illustrating why this stronghold was the northernmost defensive point of Livonia. In the foreground, the Friendship Bridge is heavily fortified, contrasting sharply with the medieval architecture. Rows of concrete "dragon s teeth" (pyramidal anti-tank obstacles) and coils of razor wire block the roadway. These fortifications, installed by Estonia around 2024-2025, serve as a physical barrier against potential military threats and unauthorized vehicle crossings, marking the bridge s transformation from a trade route into a secure defensive line. A blue, black, and white flag flies from the castle wall, asserting Estonian sovereignty. Modern security cameras are mounted on the utility pole in the foreground, highlighting the intense monitoring of this border zone. Estonia, October 16, 2025  Graffiti series, located on the concrete retaining wall separating the beach from the promenade along the Gulf of Finland (near the Sestroretsk Resort or "Kurort" area) which is a fanciful and nostalgic mural composition featuring whimsical animals and nature motifs. It is a more abstract section, featuring dynamic bursts of color (yellow, orange, and white) that resemble explosions, splashes, or perhaps stylized sunbeams breaking through clouds. These bright, energetic forms add a sense of movement to the otherwise static scenes. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 9, 2025  A temporary protest installation located directly in front of the Russian Embassy at Pikk 19 in Tallinn s Old Town. The barricades and posters are situated along the sidewalk of Pikk Street, facing the embassy building. This narrow, historic street has become a focal point for public demonstrations since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The installation serves as a persistent protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It features Ukrainian flags, anti-war messages, graphic images of war damage (such as destroyed buildings in Ukrainian cities), and tributes to figures like Alexei Navalny. The display transforms a section of the picturesque Old Town into a politically charged space, forcing diplomats and passersby to confront the realities of the conflict. The protest materials are often updated by activists and local residents to reflect ongoing events. The sign "If they decide to kill me, it means we are incredibly strong - Navalny" references the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, whose death in prison in February 2024 sparked renewed gatherings and memorials at this exact spot. Tallinn, Estonia, October 16, 2025  Grave of Sam Houston at west entrance of Oakwood Cemetery showing Sam Houston carved from grey granite on his horse flanked by allegorical figures of Victory and History, view from Avenue I. Huntsville, Texas, December 18, 2008  Ancient oak trunk in Alexander Park showcases the sculptural quality of the park s veteran trees. The trunk features a massive, gnarled root flare and deep, craggy bark fissures, indicators of its significant age (likely over 200 years). These "veteran trees" are living monuments from the imperial era. Northern part of Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Graves of soldiers(?) at Arlington Cemetery. Washington DC, February 6, 1998.  Granite tomb of Campbell with lichens both in natural light and under 365 nm ultraviolet (UV-A) blacklight in Odd Fellow Cemetery. Anderson, Texas, November 9, 2024  Pyramid Pavilion, located in a quiet, shady corner of Catherine Park in Tsarskoe Selo (Pushkin). It was originally built in 1770-1772 by the architect Vasily Neyelov and later reconstructed by Charles Cameron in 1782-1783. The pavilion was designed to resemble an ancient Egyptian mausoleum, reflecting the Romantic era s fascination with antiquity and melancholy ruins. It is constructed of brick and faced with trimmed granite. Buried behind the pyramid are three of the Empress s favorite Italian greyhounds: Tom Anderson, Zemira, and Duchesse. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Speckled lichens on a back of a granite tombstone both in natural light and under 365 nm ultraviolet (UV-A) blacklight in Odd Fellow Cemetery. Anderson, Texas, November 9, 2024  Granite tomb in Novodevichye Cemetery at Moskovskiy Prospect. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 18, 2016  Granite tomb in Novodevichye Cemetery at Moskovskiy Prospect. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 18, 2016  Pink granite pillars in Novodevichye Cemetery at Moskovskiy Prospect. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 18, 2016  Central axis of the "Old Garden" (Regular Park), known as Hermitage Alley (Ermitazhnaya alleya) in Catherine Park. In the 18th century, this alley was the promenade for courtiers moving between the formal receptions at the Palace and the intimate, private parties at the Hermitage. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Naturalistic path winding through a dense grove of mature trees, including oaks and maples, which display a vibrant palette of ochre, rust, and lime green. Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Granite tomb of Moor(?) with crustose lichens when exposed to regular daylight as well as when illuminated by a 365 nm ultraviolet (UV-A) blacklight in Odd Fellow Cemetery. Anderson, Texas, November 9, 2024  Various crustose lichens on back of a granite tombstone when exposed to regular daylight as well as when illuminated by a 365 nm ultraviolet (UV-A) blacklight in Odd Fellow Cemetery. Anderson, Texas, November 9, 2024  Granite sculpture on Kozhevnikova Lane in Smolenskoe Cemetery of Vasilievsliy Island. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 27, 2016  Granite obelisk on Mikhailovskaya Lane in Smolenskoe Cemetery of Vasilievsliy Island. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 27, 2016  Granite tombstones on Krymskaya Lane in Smolenskoe Cemetery of Vasilievsliy Island. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 27, 2016  Visual contrast between the deciduous Oak (Quercus) and the evergreen Spruce (Picea) in Catherine Park. This pairing is often poetic. The oak stands for strength, endurance, and the passage of time (as it changes), while the spruce represents eternity and constancy (as it remains green). Together, they symbolize the balance of nature s cycles--change within permanence. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Paper flowers and scarecrows in front of a granite tomb when exposed to regular daylight as well as when illuminated by a 365 nm ultraviolet (UV-A) blacklight in Odd Fellow Cemetery. Anderson, Texas, November 9, 2024  Granite pillar on Architecture Lane in Literatorskie Mostki section of Volkovo Cemetery. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 17, 2016  A wider view of Pikk Street (Pikk ta"nav) in Tallinn s Old Town, focusing on the Russian Embassy at Pikk 19. The elegant pink building on the right with the balcony and the Russian Federation flag is the Russian Embassy. It is a historic structure dating back to the late 19th century, originally built as a private residence before becoming a diplomatic mission. A marked Estonian police van is parked further down the street on the left. Since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, there has been a constant police presence here to monitor the protests and ensure security around the embassy. The metal barriers covered in protest art, flags, and posters run along the entire length of the sidewalk in front of the embassy. This installation has become a defining feature of the street, transforming a diplomatic zone into a site of permanent public demonstration. The view looks down Pikk Street towards the north, showing the narrow, cobblestone character of the Old Town. On the left, you can see other historic buildings, including shops and restaurants like the Cantina Texas (just visible in the distance). The contrast between the beautiful medieval architecture and the tense political atmosphere is striking. Tallinn, Estonia, October 16, 2025  Crustose lichen with bright orange fluorescence on a granite tomb when exposed to regular daylight as well as when illuminated by a 365 nm ultraviolet (UV-A) blacklight in Odd Fellow Cemetery. Anderson, Texas, November 9, 2024  Round patches of crustose lichen with bright orange fluorescence on a granite tomb both in natural light and under 365 nm ultraviolet (UV-A) blacklight in Odd Fellow Cemetery. Anderson, Texas, November 9, 2024  Granite tombstone with a carved sign of an idex finger pointed upward when exposed to regular daylight as well as when illuminated by a 365 nm ultraviolet (UV-A) blacklight in Odd Fellow Cemetery. Anderson, Texas, November 9, 2024  Some grey lichen with black apothecia on a granite tombstone in City Cemetery. Bryan, Texas, March 3, 2019  Broken granite tombstones on Second Nadezhdinskaya Lane near Smolenka River in Smolenskoe Cemetery of Vasilievsliy Island. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 27, 2016  Formal alley of manicured spruce trees in the Lower Park of Oranienbaum, leading towards an entrance gate. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Close up of some grey lichen with black apothecia on a granite tombstone in City Cemetery. Bryan, Texas, March 3, 2019  Firedot lichen Caloplaca subsoluta (Squamulea subsoluta, Caloplaca irrubescens) with black prothallus on a granite tomb in old Port Sullivan cemetery, west from Hearne. Texas, January 8, 2019  Part of the Maze (or Labyrinth) located in the Lower Garden. The area features a classic French formal garden layout with geometrically trimmed hedges and gravel paths, characteristic of the early 18th-century design commissioned by Alexander Menshikov. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Interior of a small granite cave near Vyborg. Russia, July 20, 2024  "A Past That Still Lives" mural showing culture of El Salvador in Balmy Alley in Mission District of San Francisco. California, March 16, 2024  Granite tombstone with sidewalk firedot lichen (Xanthocarpia feracissima, Caloplaca feracissima) both in natural light and under 365 nm ultraviolet (UV-A) blacklight in Odd Fellow Cemetery. Anderson, Texas, November 9, 2024  Sidewalk firedot lichen (Xanthocarpia feracissima, Caloplaca feracissima) on a granite tomb both in natural light and under 365 nm ultraviolet (UV-A) blacklight in Odd Fellow Cemetery. Anderson, Texas, November 9, 2024  Glacial erratic (a large granite boulder) left behind by the retreating Scandinavian Ice Sheet over 11,000 years ago. The inscription ":041d:0415:0422 :0412:041e:0419:041d:0415" (pronounced Net Voyne), meaning "NO TO THE WAR," is a direct political protest against the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Activists often paint this slogan in forests, on snow, on frozen rivers, or in elevators to avoid CCTV cameras and police patrols found in city centers. This stone serves as a quiet but firm artifact of internal resistance, standing in the silent forest just kilometers from the station and the dacha community. Kannelyarvi, north from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 1, 2025  Examining a granite cliff during a geological tour near Vyborg. Russia, July 20, 2024  Various crustose lichens on a granite shore of Gvardeysky Island. Vyborg, Russia, July 20, 2024  Classical linden alley in the Upper Park, a perfectly straight, tree-lined corridor, a hallmark of the formal garden design elements retained within the landscape park. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Rows of unidentified graves without headstones marked with temporary markers in Oak Hill Cemetery in Camp Swift north from Bastrop. Texas, September 15, 2012  Physcia lichen on a granite boulder on shore of Gvardeysky Island. Vyborg, Russia, July 20, 2024  Common groundsel (Senecio vulgaris) on granite of Gvardeysky Island. Vyborg, Russia, July 20, 2024  Texture of green moss on granite shore of Gvardeysky Island. Vyborg, Russia, July 20, 2024  Brown crustose lichen on a granite shore of Gvardeysky Island. Vyborg, Russia, July 20, 2024  Rosette lichen Physcia on a granite shore of Gvardeysky Island. Vyborg, Russia, July 20, 2024  Close-up of green moss on granite shore of Gvardeysky Island. Vyborg, Russia, July 20, 2024  Mural "Affordable Housing / Vivienda Asequible" by Art Hazelwood, SF Print Collective, WRAP at Clarion Alley in Mission District of San Francisco. California, March 16, 2024  Romantic melancholy of the Russian "Golden Autumn," a recurring theme in both landscape design and literature. The dark, still water acts as a "black mirror," doubling the impact of the golden foliage while adding a somber, contemplative depth to the scene. The contrast between the fading green aquatic grasses, the rusty-red dogwood underbrush, and the bright yellow canopy creates a rich, painterly texture reminiscent of Levitan s landscapes. The framing of the water by dense, encroaching vegetation emphasizes the "wild" nature of this park section, moving away from the formal geometry of the canals toward an intimate, secluded atmosphere. Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  The "Adam s Head" (or Golova-valun:feff) sculpture presents a striking profile view, revealing its deep-set eye and prominent nose emerging from the earth. Bright yellow maple leaves carpeting the ground and contrasting with the grey granite. A small spring flows near the base of the sculpture (visible in the foreground as a trickle), adding to the mystical atmosphere that reportedly inspired Lewis Carroll during his visit in 1867. This angle emphasizes the massive scale of the boulder relative to the path, showing how the face was carved directly into the natural granite contours. Sergievka Park, Old Peterhof, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2025  Princess Lieven Column in Pavlovsk Park. The column is dedicated to Princess Charlotte Lieven, the beloved governess of Emperor Paul I s children. It stands on the Parade Field (Russian: :041f:0430:0440:0430:0434:043d:043e:0435 :043f:043e:043b:0435:feff), specifically on the peninsula between the Rose Pavilion Ponds. Originally, this column was crowned with a gilded metal ball (sphere), which gave it a more finished look. Pavlovsk, a suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 15, 2025  Close-up of rosette lichen Physcia on a granite shore of Gvardeysky Island. Vyborg, Russia, July 20, 2024  Xanthoparmelia and Rhizocarpon geographicum lichens on a granite shore of Gvardeysky Island. Vyborg, Russia, July 20, 2024  Rapakivi granite with large round crystals on shore of Gvardeysky Island. Vyborg, Russia, July 20, 2024  Stone bridge in Oranienbaum Park in the "Russian Switzerland" section of the Upper Park. The bridge is built from rough, unpolished granite boulders, giving it a deliberately archaic, "ruin-like" appearance that blends seamlessly into the natural landscape, typical of the romantic style popular in the 19th century. It spans a bend in the Karasta River, connecting a gravel path that winds through rolling green hills, which were artificially shaped to mimic an alpine valley. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Art installation titled "Portrait of a One-Year-Old Boy with a Sheep" by the artist Artem Filatov as part of the "Crypto/Farm" exhibition held at the Imperial Farm in the Tsarskoe Selo State Museum-Reserve. Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 21, 2025  Granite tomb of McCraw in City Cemetery. Bryan, Texas, January 17, 2023  Lichens on a granite tomb in City Cemetery. Bryan, Texas, January 17, 2023  Stellas of grey granite in City Cemetery. Bryan, Texas, January 17, 2023 |
