Thibault Gerbaldi
Abush (Single)
DESCRIPTION
I encountered Abush in the town of Jinka, Ethiopia, where he faced challenges due to being born with Waardenburg syndrome, a melanin gene mutation affecting eye color development; ostracized by some for his unique blue eyes, he eventually ended up living on the streets.
This encounter resonated with me, highlighting the stark cultural differences across the world, where possessing striking blue eyes could be perceived negatively in one culture and positively in another.
Abush's eyes, particularly radiant when he smiles, captivate, and while staring at you it felt the world stopped for a second.
This photograph was taken against the backdrop of a house in Jinka, coincidentally adorned with blue-painted bricks that mirror the beauty of Abush's eyes.
AUTHOR
Self-taught photographer and passionate traveler, Thibault Gerbaldi roams the world to capture visual stories infused with emotion and authenticity.
His work has been recognized in prestigious international competitions, earning first place at the International Travel Photo Awards, second place at the PX3 (Prix de la Photographie de Paris) and the Monovision Awards, and third place at the Fine Art Photography Awards. In 2024, he received the Rising Talent Award from Travel Photographer of the Year, the world’s most prestigious travel photography competition.
His images have been published in Leica Fotografie International, All About Photo, LENS Magazine, and various specialized media. Much like Thibault himself, his work travels the world—from Miami to Paris, Venice, Los Angeles, and Rome. In 2024, his growing recognition earned him a spot among AAP’s Emerging Talents to Watch.
Beyond photography, Thibault is committed to supporting humanitarian causes through his work. A board member of The Forgotten International since 2019, he donates a portion of his book and print sales to fund solidarity projects supporting marginalized communities.
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