eye know was taken in Mumbai, India – on a quiet street corner in the midst of this vibrant, young, gigantic city.

An elderly woman with fine, expressive facial features that alone can tell whole stories greets the photographer kindly, almost reverently. Her eyes, deeply sunken and barely visible, suggest that her eyesight is impaired. And yet, the viewer senses: these eyes have seen so much, they know of things that remain hidden from others – from those who can see.

noble rest

Varanasi, India

noble rest was taken on the outskirts of Varanasi, an important Hindu pilgrimage city located on the sacred Ganges River. Away from the almost unimaginable intensity along the riverbanks and in downtown Varanasi, there are these somewhat quieter areas, at least by Indian standards. There, street scenes can be captured that offer completely different insights.

noble rest was photographed from a by-driving tuk-tuk: a man sitting on a plastic chair by the roadside, lost in thoughts. What might initially seem off-putting – perceived poverty, dirt, unpleasant odors – captivates us upon closer inspection: here sits a man amidst the hustle and bustle of an Indian street scene, completely at peace with himself, well-groomed, surprisingly flexible for his age with one foot on the seat, dressed in a traditional Indian sari. He radiates humility, serenity, but also determination, and in this form, a certain nobility.

mona hindi

Varanasi, India

mona hindi originated in Varanasi, India – the oldest and holiest Hindu pilgrimage city, located on the sacred Ganges River. Every evening, thousands of people celebrate their faith here. Part of the ritual is adorning oneself with flowers, which are offered for sale by vendors.

The young woman in the picture is one such vendor. For the evening, she has dressed up specially in the colors matching her flowers. Her natural grace captivates the viewer, and her delicate, enigmatic smile is somewhat reminiscent of motifs from classic portrait painting.

urban turban

Delhi, India

urban turban originated in Delhi, India - two Sikhs conversing on the street. The turban, traditionally worn by Sikhs, is considered by many to be the typical Indian headwear. However, Sikhs represent less than 2% of India's total population, making them only the fourth largest religious community in the country. In the important state of Punjab, however, they are the largest group with a share of almost 60%. Sikhs are monotheistic, they are considered cosmopolitan, helpful, and peace-loving. The turban - also called Dastar or Pagri - primarily serves to protect the hair, which remains uncut for Sikhs. But it also symbolizes equality, dignity, and self-respect. The turban has its very worldly origin as a symbol of freedom and resistance against the Muslim Mughal rulers, who had forbidden this headwear. Up to 7 meters of fabric are intricately wrapped for a proper turban - new every day and in different colors: blue stands for courage, white for purity. An orange turban - as seen in our picture - symbolizes wisdom, but also recalls the history of the Sikhs, wars, and the doctrine of connection with the divine.

urban turban shows the two men with impressive facial hair and particularly luminous, wonderfully curved turbans, both orange. The soft contours, the dark background, and the otherwise very reduced coloration immediately draw the viewer's gaze to the expressions of the two protagonists. They seem to be connected in silence, but the topic has probably not yet been fully discussed. What could it be about?

umbrella wisdom

Varanasi, India

umbrella wisdom originated in Varanasi, the most important and holiest of all Hindu pilgrimage cities. At any time of year, thousands of pilgrims gather here every day – to perform the various rituals, to pray, to receive blessings, and ultimately to experience purification – most thoroughly through a dip in the highly toxic waters of the Ganges. All along the grand stone steps leading into the water – called Ghats – preachers gather to bring the wisdom of Hinduism closer to the devout believer, with varying degrees of urgency. The interest is great.

umbrella wisdom shows such a preacher, who has gathered a small group around him to whom he is speaking. The attention of his listeners is assured. The photographer's gratitude as well, for he has marked his territory with a large, colorful, graphically well placed umbrella that seems to bundle and amplify the preacher's words for his listeners. Thus protected, the group conveys the casual intensity so often found in Varanasi: despite all the hustle and bustle, restlessness, noise and intensity, there are always small, marked areas that allow for peace, devotion, and concentration. And, in the best case, the reception of relevant wisdoms.

holy joy

Varanasi, India

holy joy originated in Varanasi, India. The city, located on the sacred Ganges River, is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. At any given time, thousands of devotees celebrate here their religious rituals. The atmosphere is constantly incredibly intense, full of moving emotions, loud music.

The image shows a section of a large crowd of young people celebrating the Holi festival – one of India's most significant holidays. Holi symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, the beginning of spring, and the end of winter. As a sign of their joy, people throw colored powder at each other, dance, and celebrate exuberantly. The caste system, still present in today's India, is temporarily suspended during Holi.

moly joy was taken from a boat on the Ganges river, using a strong tele-lens which allows the focus on a particular group within the much larger crowd, to show individual and collective exaltation. The scenery is intense, loud, engaging, yet friendly and full of sheer joy.