Thibault Gerbaldi
A Desert Mirage (Single)
DESCRIPTION
In the heart of Kaokoland, on both banks of the Kunene River, resides the Himba, the nation's last surviving nomadic pastoral tribe. This resilient tribe thrives amidst the challenges of war and drought, uniquely sustaining themselves on a diet solely consisting of meat, as they refrain from cultivating any crops.
Observed from a distance, the Himba people appear like mirages in the desert landscape. Their skin, adorned with ochre, radiates a copper hue—a protective measure against the harsh sun. On the Namibian side of the river, I captured a striking photo of this community. The strong winds swept sand across the dunes, creating an illusion of the Himba seemingly floating above the sandy terrain.
The sand dunes, with their distinct contrasts and shapes, bestowed an almost surreal quality upon the scene. Amidst the gusts of wind, the question lingered: was this a dream or a tangible reality?
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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