Faces of Myanmar

In the winter of 2013 I travelled during one month through Myanmar, or Burma as the country is also known. Of course I was aware of the oppression and isolation the Burmese had suffered during almost five decades of rule by a harsh military dictatorship. But this notion hardly matched the surprisingly warm welcome and the cheerfulness I have seen. I found a country with a most friendly and warm-hearted people. Unfortunately after so many years of economic boycott and isolation the rest of the world is still rather unfamiliar with the people of Myanmar. That's why the idea came to me to portray the fascinating faces that I encountered. In this way I shot portraits in market places, temples, shops, restaurants, boats, railway stations, city streets, villages and many other locations. In order to keep the spontaneity of the photo's I decided to make the photographs right on the spot where I encountered someone. I selected my 'models' rather intuitively, but always there some kind of a trigger. It could be someone's facial expression that drew my attention, especially if it could be combined with an interesting background or certain objects like a bicycle, a phone or a cigar. Taking photo's never took more than a few minutes. My aim was to capture those first unspoiled moments and not allow time for them to become more self-conscious and perhaps start posing. Myanmar is not only interesting for its temples and beautiful landscape - it is the people that make the country so very unique. The Burmese have just stepped into the light after a long and dark period. Most of the people offered me their image without hesitation or mistrust. With the exception of one policeman and a few shy adolescent girls everybody I approached was willing to coöperate. It is also good to keep in mind that the internet is not yet common good for most of them. After all I have to admit that it were the Burmese themselves who offered me this project.