Eleutherophilia is the chronicle of a 2,000-kilometer solo expedition across Mongolia, from Ulaanbaatar to the Altai Mountains, undertaken entirely on horseback and camel. Inspired by the legacy of Genghis Khan and the legendary nomadic way of life, the project delves into the heart of a culture shaped by the vastness of the steppe, the harshness of its climate, and the profound relationship between humans and nature.
This journey followed the rhythms of the land and its people: traversing mountains, the northern reaches of the Gobi Desert, and remote valleys where families live with their herds. From sharing tea in a nomadic ger to navigating the wilderness guided only by a map and local advice, this odyssey captures the resilience, traditions, and timeless values of a people deeply connected to their environment.
At its core, Eleutherophilia is an exploration of freedom—not just the freedom of vast open spaces, but the inner freedom found in solitude, self-reliance, and adaptation. This journey was as much a test of endurance as it was an act of surrender, embracing the unpredictability of the elements and the kindness of nomads encountered along the way.
The photographic series born from this experience seeks to convey the dualities of life on the steppe: the fragility and strength of nomadic existence, the stark beauty of the landscape, and the deep-rooted connection between tradition and survival.
