Slesar is not the only artist who’s been captivated by the unique craft of Dagestan’s tightrope walkers: the tradition was also featured in a recent video work by the artist Taus Makhacheva, entitled Tightrope. In the video, Rasul Abakarov, descendant of a famous tightrope dynasty, crosses the abyss of a canyon carrying paintings by Dagestani artists. Both Slesar’s and Makhacheva’s work give the tightrope walkers much-needed exposure which could help save their art from disappearing. “During Soviet times, the government promoted and supported tightrope walkers offering them stipends, organising and sponsoring trips, competitions and training grounds. Nowadays, all these matters are taken care of by a few enthusiasts and by the tightrope walkers themselves,” Slesar says. “The local authorities provide very little, if any, support to preserve and promote this ancient Dagestani tradition, nor do they encourage tightrope walkers to continue their craft. Yet, despite all these difficulties, tightrope walkers are adamant at preserving their tradition. They vigorously train the young, seize any opportunity to take part in an event where they can show off their skills, such as a wedding or a holiday. All this is done at their own cost and with in-kind contributions from villagers.”