Rest For a While Here

Journeying across the sweeping Mongolian steppe, the expanse between destinations can feel vast, and lonely. But for drivers like Ongu, the country is as familiar as the lines on his sun-beaten hands. Whenever two vehicles crossed paths, a curious tradition takes place– a pause, a chat, an exchange of news and familiarity. These idle interludes will sometimes last an hour; a deliberate practice called "Khuukhdiin khuree" - the art of stopping by to have a chat. In a land where people are few and far between, the invisible threads that bind one person to another are treated with greater care and significance. 

One afternoon, after arriving at a nomadic settlement to stay the night, I made this image of Ongu. As everyone else stepped out to stretch their legs, he remained content to rest in the warm backseat of his van, paging through a world encyclopedia, dreaming of places he had yet to visit. 

Gorkhi-Terelj, Mongolia.

About this print:
Gicleé inks on museum-grade, 0.43mm thick 100% premium cotton archival paper. Acid free. Smooth-matte surface provides a beautiful organic texture and excellent viewing from any angle. 

Note:
A 0.6-inch, white border runs along the perimeter of the image. Does not come framed. Please allow print to gently flatten out over a few days upon arrival before framing or hanging.