honorable mention
thibault gerbaldi united states
Photo © thibault gerbaldi
title
Desert Ballet
In its sprint, the sand stirred by its rapid motion creates a golden cloud trailing behind, as though the desert is exhaling a breath infused with precious amber. Illuminated by the enchanting glow of the setting sun, this scene weaves a spell of surreal beauty and tranquility, bestowing an otherworldly charm upon the landscape.
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
Taken from the aerial perspective above Namibia's captivating sandscapes, a swift oryx dashes across the terrain, its elegant retreat encapsulated within the striking shadows cast by the adjacent sand dunes.In its sprint, the sand stirred by its rapid motion creates a golden cloud trailing behind, as though the desert is exhaling a breath infused with precious amber. Illuminated by the enchanting glow of the setting sun, this scene weaves a spell of surreal beauty and tranquility, bestowing an otherworldly charm upon the landscape.
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