John Feely, The Outisders (Documentary/Photojournalism)

Western Mongolia is a barren icy wilderness 9 months of the year, a Mars-like landscape for 3. Kazaks and Mongols share a traditional, nomadic way of life, on the brink, but still outside the realms of modernisation. A fragile existence threatened by progress as much as by the harsh climate. Held together by customs, culture, family and a stream that brings life to the region – real and metaphorical – for a few months each year. The stream originates at the second highest mountain in Mongolia – Mt Tsumbagarav. Acknowledged or not, everything takes place beneath its cool shadow. Her moods determine the outcome of everyday. This oasis' relationship with nature is in contradiction to the capital Ulanbataar – the most air polluted city on Earth. The Outsiders is John Feely’s photographic record of his personal journeys through Mongolia in 2014 and 2015. A search for spaciousness led him to travel by horse, in search of an uninsured and uninsulated experience. Through relationships, letting things be and sleeping on floors, the outsider slowly became part of everything around him. The process was meditative and silent. The work is an extension of being in gers each night silently sharing the presence of others. In these moments an unsaid understanding forms for life. The longer he stayed the more real the pictures became. This work forges a shared experience. What separates us? What makes us the same? Through what connects us as humans we all in some way live under Tsumbagarav.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.