honorable mention
thibault gerbaldi united states
Photo © thibault gerbaldi
title
Abush
This encounter resonated with me, highlighting the stark cultural differences across the world, where possessing striking blue eyes could be perceived negatively in one culture and positively in another.
Abush's eyes, particularly radiant when he smiles, captivate, and while staring at you it felt the world stopped for a second.
This photograph was taken against the backdrop of a house in Jinka, coincidentally adorned with blue-painted bricks that mirror the beauty of Abush's eyes.
Subsequent travels to Namibia and beyond inspired more self-published books and my first solo exhibition at Leica Miami. This exposure motivated me to submit my work to international competitions and led to exhibitions in Los Angeles, Venice, and Paris in 2024.
Through my photography, I aim to explore the interplay between the impermanence of nature and the resilience of human cultures, often in harsh environments such as Greenland, Iceland, and Namibia. My work contrasts fragile landscapes with the strength of marginalized communities, like the Andean alpaca farmers, Mongolian eagle hunters, and Himba people, showcasing their enduring strength against external pressures.
In 2019, I joined The Forgotten International's board, using my work to support charitable causes. Through the sale of prints and books, I hope to raise awareness and contribute to projects that support communities in need.
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entry description
I encountered Abush in the town of Jinka, Ethiopia, where he faced challenges due to being born with Waardenburg syndrome, a melanin gene mutation affecting eye color development; ostracized by some for his unique blue eyes, he eventually ended up living on the streets.This encounter resonated with me, highlighting the stark cultural differences across the world, where possessing striking blue eyes could be perceived negatively in one culture and positively in another.
Abush's eyes, particularly radiant when he smiles, captivate, and while staring at you it felt the world stopped for a second.
This photograph was taken against the backdrop of a house in Jinka, coincidentally adorned with blue-painted bricks that mirror the beauty of Abush's eyes.
about the photographer
As an avid traveler, I was drawn to the diverse cultures and landscapes I encountered, leading me to use photography as a means of documenting these experiences. It offered a creative escape from my work in macroeconometrics and life as a parent. During the COVID lockdowns, after a trip to Ethiopia, I had the opportunity to self-publish my first book. The positive feedback from friends and family gave me the confidence to continue pursuing photography.Subsequent travels to Namibia and beyond inspired more self-published books and my first solo exhibition at Leica Miami. This exposure motivated me to submit my work to international competitions and led to exhibitions in Los Angeles, Venice, and Paris in 2024.
Through my photography, I aim to explore the interplay between the impermanence of nature and the resilience of human cultures, often in harsh environments such as Greenland, Iceland, and Namibia. My work contrasts fragile landscapes with the strength of marginalized communities, like the Andean alpaca farmers, Mongolian eagle hunters, and Himba people, showcasing their enduring strength against external pressures.
In 2019, I joined The Forgotten International's board, using my work to support charitable causes. Through the sale of prints and books, I hope to raise awareness and contribute to projects that support communities in need.
back to gallery