Eleanor Moseman, a photographer, is cycling through Asia documenting hidden communities, disappearing traditions and cultures.
Eleanor Moseman, an American photographer, is cycling through Asia documenting hidden communities, disappearing traditions, and endangered cultures in the region.
As of April 2012, she completed more than 19,000 kilometers, while opening up intimate opportunities to capture photographs of nomadic lives and religious cultures of Western China and the borderlands. Eleanor’s photography explores the "Invisible China”, the often enigmatic and somewhat unknown parts of the world.
She now continues through the borderlands, such as Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan with an estimated return to Xinjiang and Tibet in late Summer.
Blue is completed route. Red is anticipated route. There is a gap of which route to return to Kham, Tibet.
Where and Why:
Western China and the neighboring post-Soviet countries are rich in cultures. Which religion and traditional customs play a paramount role in the lives of the these people. Eleanor's hope is to bring awareness, appreciation and compassion of these cultures to the masses.
There is unrest in Xinjiang, Tibet, and other areas, usually stemming from the government's reaction to regional religious practices. Much of the Western world hears of Tibetan protests but very few know of the persecution of the Uyghurs and other Islam groups. Eleanor has been immersed in these cultures, intimately observing their practices, breaking bread with them and sleeping in their homes. She hopes to change the many misconceptions of the word "Muslim" through telling the stories of the beautiful people she has come to embrace.
Eleanor is the voice of the people, who need to be heard. She is compassionate, understanding, perceptive and tolerant of all people. A government rule has deemed illegal the practicing of traditions, threatening to eradicate these intricate cultures within their historical framework. Her images tell the stories and show the true lives of those hidden in the massive land area, Asia.
Eleanor has been referred to as a "Cultural Chameleon". Wherever she finds herself, the locals open their homes and hearts to her, providingimmense opportunities for photography, communication, and sharing cultures. These unique opportunities set Eleanor apart in the photographic and cycling community and makes us want to hear and see more. She takes time to find her place in a foreign land and through respect, warmth and giving, gains trust from people. Eleanor acknowledges, “It's not about getting from one city to the next; the journey happens during those moments in between”.
This leg of the trip, I plan on finishing in early December. I plan on dedicating the next 2-3 years to this area of China. The Kickstarter campaign is in hopes to provide enough strong images to find outside sources for funding through the next years. This project has been, for the most part, self funded since 2009.
pledged of $4,000 goal
seconds to go
Apr 26, 2012 - May 26, 2012 (30 days)
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A downloadable Photo to use as a Computer Desktop Background. Choice between Landscape or Portrait.Estimated delivery: Aug 2012
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A 5"x 7" postcard, with envelope, so you can use it to send to that special someone. Or just post it to your fridge or stick it in a frame for your home or office. Signed.Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
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* Quantity of 3, (1 landscape, 1 portrait, 1 candid) folded 5"x7"cards with envelopes. So you can send them to that special someone OR frame them for your home or office. All Signed! All pledges $35 or more will be entered for a final drawing. The prize with be a 16"x 20" framed and signed, Archival Giclee print - the image being the winner's choice.Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
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Quantity: 1, 11" x 14" signed photo print.Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
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* Quantity: 1, 11" x 8", 20 page hardcover photo book, signed with personal message to you, or someone else.Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
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* Quantity of 2: 8" x 11" signed prints, the 20 page photo book, and qty of 3, 5x7 folded cards.Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
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* Quantity of 2, 11" x 14" ARCHIVAL Giclee prints, chosen from a selection, delivered in a custom portfolio. These 2 images will be archival prints on Hahnemuhle Fine Art Paper. Each portfolio will be signed and numbered as a First Edition. Your name will also be added onto the Corporate Sponsors page.Estimated delivery: Jan 2013
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* A custom portfolio, signed and numbered, of 10 11" x 14" archival prints. There will be 3 themes to choose from. These 10 images will be archival prints on Hahnemuhle Fine Art Paper. Each portfolio will be signed and numbered as a First Edition. Your name will also be added onto the Corporate Sponsors page and any future published materials.Estimated delivery: Mar 2013