In the summer of 2022, I traveled to Almaty, Kazakhstan, where I met Aizere, a 23‑year‑old woman. Spending time with her and listening to her stories gave me a glimpse into the complex relationship many young Kazakh people have with their cultural identity, caught between their Kazakh heritage and the lasting influence of the Soviet era. Her experiences revealed a constant negotiation between rediscovering that heritage and navigating a Soviet‑influenced upbringing.

I also photographed and interviewed young people from the local LGBTQ+ community. I asked them how they navigate their queer identities in a country where hostility and discrimination characterize the everyday lives of many homosexual, queer, and transgender people – and where state institutions offer little protection. Find more images and interviews on my instagram page.

2022

Past Exhibitions:

Group Exhibition Centered, Atelier Jankowski, Berlin, June 2023