Since 2009, I have stayed in Tashkurgan for several months photographing the Tajiks nomad using a Hasselbald large-format digital camera and Profoto lighting. I was able to arrange an old pickup truck and a Tajiks driver. He and I traveled the sparsely populated landscape searching for the Tajiks nomad, staying with families we encountered along the way. They welcomed me with open arms and complete trust.
"Through The Unknown Tashkurgan" unveils an unworldly world I discovered on the Pamir Plateau. At China's western frontier, in the eastern part of the Pamirs and on the "roof of the world" is the Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County in Xinjiang Province. Tashkurgan has a long history as a stop on the Silk Road. Tajiks reside in relative isolation in the snow capped Pamir mountain range of western China near the borders of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Tajikistan. There are about 41,000 Tajiks living in Tashkurgan. They live in harmony and intimacy born out of mutual trust and love.
Since 2009, I have stayed in Tashkurgan for several months photographing the Tajiks nomad using a Hasselbald large-format digital camera and Profoto lighting. I was able to arrange an old pickup truck and a Tajiks driver. He and I traveled the sparsely populated landscape searching for the Tajiks nomad, staying with families we encountered along the way. They welcomed me with open arms and complete trust.
In Tashkurgan, due to the cold weather, lack of nutrients and altitude sickness, I was ill half the time and was then unable to undertake the photographic mission.I have witnessed childbirth, tribal marriages, unforeseen sickness, snow storm, avalanche, gazing into the stars whilst bathing in mysterious hot-springs, discovered Saussurea - a rare and precious Chinese herb, saving the lives of endangered animals, being placed under gun points as a spy suspect, car accidents, punctured tires, spending chilly nights alone in road side warehouses in the midst of getting lost driving at the country's border - a woman's nightmare scenario for being raped, torn ligaments of my swollen ankles, and putting myself relentlessly into all kinds of joyful and stressful situation.
I could hardly tear myself away from the place and the people, so my camera has helped me capture all those unforgettable memories. Through the impressive eyes of those people whom I adore, you can see how much we love each other and how close I am to them.