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.There is a stark cultural differences across the world, where possessing striking blue eyes could be perceived negatively in one culture and positively in another.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.
Thibault Gerbaldi is a self-taught photographer and enthusiastic traveler whose adventures have spanned the globe. His sensitivity enables him to establish a unique rapport with the subjects he photographs, reflecting strong emotions and authentic narratives in his work. Beyond his passion for photography, Thibault is driven by a desire to promote cultural understanding and support charitable causes. In 2019, he joined the board of directors for The Forgotten International, leveraging his photography to raise funds for communities in need.
