In my most recent adventure, I embarked on a journey across Mongolia that spanned 10 days, all on horseback, with the sole purpose of capturing new photographic artworks featuring The Pink Bear. This remote and uninhabited landscape, steeped in tradition yet facing the encroachment of modernity, served as the perfect backdrop for my mission.
The idea had been brewing for three years, and with the invaluable assistance of Megan Hine, a seasoned British survival expert, my dream finally materialised. Megan, whom I now proudly call a friend, has tackled some of the planet's harshest environments, earning her stripes as a real-life action hero. Originally slated for 2020, the trip faced postponements due to the global lockdowns enforced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dishearteningly, 2021 followed suit with continued restrictions. It wasn't until the dawn of 2022 that we received the green light, setting our sights on a departure date in September of that year.
The journey wasn't merely about traversing Mongolia; it was a homage to the fading nomadic way of life in the country. As younger generations gravitate towards the comforts and allure of urban living in Ulaanbaatar, traditional practices are fading into obscurity. Against this backdrop, my artwork aims to shed light on the environmental toll of overconsumption while celebrating tradition. Opting for a horseback journey over modern conveniences like off-road vehicles was a deliberate choice, driven by a desire to minimise our carbon footprint and honour centuries-old traditions.
Preparing for such an arduous expedition demanded sacrifices and new skills. For three months leading up to the trip, I abstained from alcohol and fast food, striving to be in peak physical condition. As someone who had never ridden a horse before, I embarked on horse-riding lessons, grappling with a lifelong fear of these majestic creatures. Balancing myself, laden with camera gear, atop a trotting horse presented a steep learning curve—one that left me bruised and sore, to put it mildly.
The physical and mental challenges didn't end there. Each day brought extreme temperature fluctuations, ranging from scorching sunshine to bone-chilling snowstorms and frigid nights +20C to -15C. Amidst such conditions, even the simplest tasks like using the restroom or staying hydrated became logistical puzzles. Survival hinged on having the right gear, a lifeline in Mongolia's unforgiving wilderness.
Yet, amidst the hardship, Mongolia revealed its enchanting beauty. The desolate expanse of the steppe, adorned with vibrant hues of copper and iron minerals, painted a surreal landscape. Every hill, valley, and lake traversed on horseback felt like stepping onto a meticulously crafted film set, where nature played the starring role.
While the allure of a 4x4 vehicle occasionally beckoned, the bond forged with my horse proved invaluable. Together, we navigated the rugged terrain, immersing ourselves in the timeless beauty of Mongolia. As I aimed to capture the essence of this vanishing world, I couldn't help but feel privileged to witness traditions that may soon fade into memory.
Undoubtedly, the highlight of the journey was capturing The Pink Bear alongside golden eagles in the Altai region. Yet, the day took an unexpected turn as we found ourselves engulfed in an impromptu celebration with local eagle hunters, basking in the glow of Mongolian techno beneath a starlit sky. It was a fitting finale to an unforgettable adventure, one that etched Mongolia forever in my heart.
The Pink Bear, as always, served as a beacon of joy, eliciting smiles from locals and inspiring impromptu photoshoots against the backdrop of Mongolia's remote landscapes. In a world beset by change, these moments of connection and creativity serve as timeless reminders of the beauty that surrounds us.
