Philosophy
In 2015, I stopped using the word 'hate.' This decision stemmed from a personal challenge driven by an idealistic motive. In my eyes, the world was already saturated with enough negativity. Fast-forward to today, what initially began as a self-experiment has evolved into my foundation, life philosophy, and an important reminder: small actions can have a huge impact—even if it's just a word. It takes years to change for the better, especially when dealing with something deeply rooted in our daily lives and behavior. Over time, I started deconstructing my negative thoughts, reaching a point where I reflected on my feelings rather than pointing fingers at others. In my opinion, one of the most significant keys to personal development is realizing the extent of negativity we create and, consequently, how much energy we waste. Hatred, blame, and judgment toward others often stem from our own insecurities, fears, and ignorance. Today, while I may dislike certain things or disagree with certain behaviors, the change in perspective has made me more understanding, positive, and overall balanced. By avoiding one single word, I detached from a whole spectrum of negativity. Shifting my mind and focusing on the good has allowed me to extract positivity and benefit from almost any experience, location, or person. In all humility, I am confident that this shift in mindset is the primary reason why I have never encountered trouble with people, why I am liked and respected by individuals of all kinds, and why I have been accepted by various communities.
Yushu
A 3000km long journey to the border of Tibet
2016 | Fujifilm X100T + 23mm
Inspiration
Many years of observation, imagination, and unexpressed emotions filled me up more than any grandma's cooking ever could. The only difference was that while grandma's lovely meals would leave you satisfied, I felt more hungry and unfulfilled. The day I started to travel, I had hundreds of thoughts I wanted to share with my family, friends, and fellow travelers. However, the further I moved, the less I said, reaching the point of near silence. How could I find the accurate words for all I saw and felt? The intensity of the experience was so high that even today, it's difficult to comprehend and even more challenging to share with those who may not have had similar experiences. In the end, I realized it's not the physical distance that creates a barrier between people, as this gap can be covered with modern technology. What seems infinite is the lack of willingness to understand and accept that people live under different circumstances, making cultural contrast a simple yet, at times, indescribable concept. Perhaps that's why I've chosen photography. I want to inspire visually and emotionally because not long ago, it was me who got inspired in the same way.
Morocco
A trip full of contrasts across Morocco
2016 | Fujifilm X100T + 23mm
Realization
I moved across the globe only to realize that I know nothing about the world, and I talked to thousands of people just to realize that the world knows nothing about me. This realization became the best lesson of my life. It taught me that with the right mix of naivety and respect, I can go wherever I want, do whatever I want, and be whoever I want. The only barrier I have to overcome is my fear and doubt, which were fed by years of living in a bubble of ignorance and a society that would rather pessimistically ask 'why?' instead of encouraging 'why not?' Eventually, judging from my 'western developed country' perspective, the only thing keeping a person from achieving a goal is the person itself. Fortunately, I was curious enough to take that step out. I was aware enough to understand that my perspective is not the standard for the rest of the world, and I was persistent enough to see the good in people instead of hurting myself on every cultural edge. While the world can be a rough place, all the smiles I've encountered are stronger than all the struggles I faced in reaching them.
Vietnam
A motorbike tour through Vietnam
2017 | Fujifilm X-Pro2 + 23mm
Responsibility
I am privileged to have the possibility to explore and experience other cultures, and on my journey, I have met some of the smartest and kindest people. Yet, often, the only difference that qualifies me for the things I am doing is a piece of paper that says I am German—another strange topic since my whole family is from Poland. Anyway, I won't dwell on how unfair the world is, as we are already aware of it. However, it's bizarre to me how much weight our Western words carry, how influential we are perceived to be, and how we think we are, while most of the time causing more harm than good. All I can say for myself is that it's my responsibility to treat this opportunity to move freely with respect for the people I visit and the people I represent. There are numerous logical reasons to understand why people are different. But if you start to judge and define cultures from your point of view, things will make no sense, and in combination with unrealistic expectations, it will likely break your heart. These are the situations where I have experienced the most misunderstandings between people. It is ignorance that creates distance and fear that keeps us apart. However, it's curiosity that brings us together, cultural exchange that makes us understand each other, and most importantly, a common goal that makes us progress together.
Cambodia
A volunteer experience in Cambodia
2017 | Fujifilm X-Pro2 + 23mm
Connection
People often ask me how I navigate without knowing the languages. On a deeper level, common words are obviously essential to express our intellectual points and emotional needs. However, on the level we operate in everyday life, it's a whole different story. In relation to people, there are basically no differences between taking a bus in Germany or somewhere in the middle of Morocco or China. Frankly speaking, people don't talk anyway since everyone is minding their own business. If there's something positive to point out, then abroad, a conversation with a random stranger is more likely to happen, which can lead to the most interesting or wholesome situations. I've reached some of the most remote places by using only body language and a positive attitude while experiencing multiple 'lost in translation' moments. If I smile, you see that I am happy. If I fold my hands next to my tilted head with my eyes closed, you understand that I want to sleep. If I take off my shoes, wave my hand in front of my nose, and make a funny face, you will probably laugh because you know about the struggle of smelly feet. And if I place my hand on my heart while slightly bowing to you, you will hopefully feel that I am genuinely thankful. Many things try to hinder us from exchanging, but there is one universal language that connects every human, and it's beautiful. I simply call it 'being human.'
Sri Lanka
A train trip around Sri Lanka
2018 | Fujifilm X-Pro2 + 23mm
Struggle
My favorite thing about my nomadic lifestyle is also one of my current biggest 'ideological' challenges – living between worlds. As much as I love moving between entirely different environments and meeting people, the often rapid and massive changes in contrast regularly give me a hard time in finding my middle ground. The constant effort to adapt to my surroundings sometimes makes me forget about my identity, resulting in me becoming so 'culture-fluid' that I often have to rethink my principles and beliefs. However, all kinds of struggles have always been an important part of my travels and are somehow reflected in my work and creative process. Especially, my poor mental and overall health state was one of the main reasons why I left in 2016. While my condition has improved significantly by learning ways to deal with my problems, it's still something that pushes me to my limits in certain situations. But instead of avoiding it like in the past, I now look forward to it and strive to overcome my last hurdles. Therefore, there are many topics I would like to write about, although I have decided to go into more detail in the future. All I want to say for now is that fears can be an overwhelming and gigantic force that tries to hinder you from achieving greater things. However, understanding, confronting, and dealing with that type of energy while transforming it into positivity will make you grow more than anything else. There was a time in my life when I couldn't even leave the house without getting a panic attack. Now, I hope to be outside forever.
Nepal
A change of perspective in Nepal
2019 | Fujifilm X-Pro2 + 23mm
Experience
A short insight from Nepal
Whenever I approach someone, I do so with respect and open emotions, as I have nothing to hide. I like to believe it's something people sense when I spend time with them. At least, that's my hope. 'Ganga, can I take a picture of you?' — We had just spent a few hours together, mainly exchanging through hands, signs, and simple words, but it was enough time with him and his goats to observe him wiping the sweat off his face multiple times. There was something about this moment that made me want to capture it, knowing he would do it again once I asked for a photo. It's difficult to explain, but the looks he always gave me afterward revealed an intriguing and emotional side of him. I felt genuine authenticity between us. In fact, spending so much time with people without a shared language has turned using the body into another language for me. It just feels natural and as soon as I can make the other person laugh, or vice versa, I know there's mutual understanding. The joy I gain from these moments is immeasurable, as they truly enable me to connect with people. So, here I was again with another person who randomly crossed my path. I raised my camera, Ganga took his small towel, wiped his face, and looked at me with the same kindness I had seen in many people's eyes before.
Rajasthan
A glimpse of Rajasthan, India
2019 | Fujifilm X-Pro2 + 23mm
End/Beginning
We are heading towards the end of KULTURHYBRID's first chapter. After four years I saw everything I could wish for, I did everything I desired, and I said everything I had in mind. With my bonus life in Japan and an excursion to Nepal that didn't go as I hoped, I fulfilled nearly all of my initial dreams I had about photography, volunteering and Asia. There are many reasons for me to go back to Asia. However, after a disastrous time with COVID-19, I am planning to make a cut to reflect on my past journeys and to think about what's next for me. One thing is clear: I want to go to Africa, continue to experience different cultures and be more beneficial as a person and with my skills to people in need and projects around them.
Oliver, November 2021
Tokyo
A step into vertical photography
Pictures were taken before my Nepal trip
2019 | Fujifilm X-Pro2 + 23mm