NOMADSLIFE (1999-ongoing)
In NOMADSLIFE Jeroen Toirkens, photographer and chairman of the foundation with the same name, follows the life of various nomadic peoples in Central Asia, Russia, Mongolia and the Arctic region. Here they live under often extreme conditions, in symbiosis with nature and climate. Toirk-ens shows how after the fall of communism many nomads have reverted again to their old traditions and the open plains. Moreover, ever more indigenous communities are organising themselves in the field of politics and culture. Toirkens however also shows the down-side of the nomad’s life. Cor-ruption, problems with land rights and widespread alcoholism have their repercussions on indigen-ous peoples. And, as a result of globalisation, drought, poverty and climate change, it is increas-ingly difficult to maintain their original way of life.
