Caravaggio on the Street

My project is inspired by the works of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, whose paintings combine a true-to-life observation of the human state, both physical and emotional, with a dramatic use of lighting. This is an ongoing series of portraits of individuals whom I photographed on the streets during my travels. They are the faces of ordinary people going about their daily routine, briefly interrupted to pose for a portrait. Only a moment of connection with my subjects allowed me to capture their essence, and through their eyes, a peek of their inner soul.

Although they are from different cultures, religions, and ethnicities, each of the individuals portrayed shares a uniquely mortal connection with each other, a common thread of life lived, and a universal kinship of the spiritual soul.

Rooted in my contemplative approach to photography, I see each individual just as they are, neither beautiful nor ugly, but who they are meant to be. Through their clouded eyes and the deep lines on their weathered faces, they tell a story of common human experiences – hardship, contentment, delight, and sadness.

Here are sample photos of the project.