Indien

by Olivier Föllmi, Stephan Schuhmacher (Translator)

The world's most densely populated country, and the tiger's last remaining natural habitat, India is a land of contradictions. In this visually stunning book, photographer Olivier Föllmi captures this land where tradition and modernity coexist-the India of the cell phone and the sacred cow. Föllmi looks beyond the commotion and sensory overload of the Indian street to examine deeper truths about the people and their culture. His photographs convey serenity and stillness, expressing a philosophy and an approach to life radically different from the West's.

This award-winning photographer's work includes portraits of people of all classes-farmers and potters, dancers and musicians, parents and children-and probes as well human interactions with animals including cows, monkeys, and elephants. Never does he portray his subjects as exotic objects; rather, his realistic, moving images pay tribute to his subjects' essential dignity and profound humanity.

Genres: India, Travel, Photography

424 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Olivier Föllmi willingly describes himself as a “world photographer”.

Profoundly impressed by the Himalayan world, he and his wife, Danielle, founded their family by adopting four Tibetan children. They have also created an educational aid association in the Himalayas : HOPE. This love story has become world renown and has received some of the most prestigious awards.

It was in developing a passion for other lands that Olivier Föllmi has become a great “traveling photographer”. This is the price in which “to have something to share, to say and to show. A perfect photo, but devoid of sense, will never equal a blurry photo with a touching message".

Each of their travels gave birth to a book with photos and texts that are a veritable ode to life and the means to share the emotion with the greatest number of people.

Reviews

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

When people think of India, often the abject poverty and desperate lives of its masses come to mind. Yet, India and its people also possess incredible beauty and a rich, complex melting pot of cultures. Olivier Follmi gives this "other face" of India its due. Follmi's photography captures each subject's beauty and individuality (even in steroetyped imagery) while highlighting the rich, vibrant colors of adornment and settings.

[Kiran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book. Prepared a tour itinerary for a visit to India based on descriptions of some places in the book. Had a great time visiting these places.

[Lula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous.

[suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely photo book by Olivier Follmi, with an excellent introduction by Radhika Jha.