HELL and I is a project about people living in Stockholm, Sweden and their stories told while running. Shortness of breath brings out the best!
HELL and I – #4 Acidpolly (Olga Talalay)
Q: Do you think you’ll ever go back to Russia? A: I will not go back while Putin is in power, which basically is a synonym to “never”.
I am fascinated by Olga’s ability to seem like she is everywhere all of the time. It’s almost like I’ve seen more of Stockholm following @acidpolly on Instagram in 3 years than I have in my 8 years here #IRL. Without realising it, perhaps Olga has also shown you more of this city after taking the opportunity to tell her story with images for Momondo. I am fascinated with Olga’s style, which when I see her is a combination of Black, Black and Black. I can’t confirm whether it’s an addiction of not, but Acne Studios, Nike ACG, Nike Lab and Nike Running all should be grateful. I met Olga on her second day in Sweden after moving across from Russia. Her run club Gorky Park Runners had recommended Ssideline City Run Club which back then was based at Sixten & Frans, 2 streets away from where she lived. Running hasn’t always been a part of Olga’s life, the first run was triggered by Trent Reznors’ upsetting announcement to not tour anymore. Running became an escape and a way to combine fitness with the sounds of Trents’ lives recordings. Although Olga will tell you that she hates to run, I run with her weekly and have seen her travel to the world to run half marathons (Always with headphones in her ears). I asked her about the her taste in music and she replied; “It should be Sad, it should be Dark, and you must be able to Dance to it”. Olga is the definition of ‘health goth’ and I am fascinated with her honesty.
Who inspires you and why? I read Cosey Fanni Tutti autobiography now and it is such an inspiration! She is a total badass. Never gave a shit about authorities and never had any boundaries in self-expression – through music, photography and many other art forms.
When you are not running what are you doing? I am most likely taking pictures or dancing.
What is your superpower? My superpower is stubbornness. If I really want something, I will get it, even if it takes a while.
Are you working on any projects right now that you can share publicly? Nothing creative at the moment, so my main project now is learning Swedish to the level that will allow me to talk to people.
If you could have dinner with 3 people dead or alive, who would they be? Even though it’s tempting, let’s not bother the dead. I’d cook some borsch for Trent Reznor, Nick Cave and Anton Corbijn.
Feel good songs? There are too many! Although my feel good songs would probably make most people feel pretty down haha. Ok, let it be this one: TR/ST – Gloryhole.
How can people get in touch with you? Website, Blog, email etc… Instagram @acidpolly and soundcloud.com/acidpolly
‘HELL and I’ is a new Swedish running blog created, directed and hosted by Ssideline City Run Club founder and local influencer Kristian Hell, distributed by Ssideline City. HELL and I is presented by Peak Performance.
