BUDDHA WAS BORN HERE is a collection of abstract and documentary photographs from Olgaç Bozalp’s travels throughout the villages, towns and Himalayas of Nepal.

This travel diary is an amalgam of Bozalp’s exploration of self through color, composition and space; distinct from his signature body of work of his meticulously staged settings.

This is Bozalp’s debut self-published zine. This visit marks Olgaç’s first international trip outside of assigned work in recent years.With no real initial intention of photographing the country, Bozalp was precipitously captivated by its people, their spirituality and relationship with nature, compelling him to immerse himself in the experience through his camera lens. Bozalp was profoundly influenced by the abstract of the everyday, such as a man camouflaged in a large display made of foliage as he transports them by back; rather than the intervention of human manipulation; or staging, commonly found in his body of work.

This publication reflects his experience of searching for a higher meaning in the present, our place in the world, and his pursuit in understanding a culture whose people seek truth by looking inward to reflect their happiness

With Art Direction by Jessica Pichet, the publication’s design embraces the theme of Nepal’s use of rich colors captured by Olgaç’s photography; with the cover as an ode to Nepal’s national color, crimson red, symbolizing the strong character and bravery of the Nepalese people.

Each copy comes with a unique vintage Nepalese mailing stamp on its slipcase.

ISBN 978-1-80068-931-2

Self published, 2022

Edition of 500

Printed by MAS Matbaa, Istanbul, June 2022

Paper / GardaMatt Rough 120 gsm

Slipcase / GardaPat 13 Kiara 250 gsm
80 pages

24 x 33.5 cm

Delivery time 3-4 weeks | Stockist
︎ £20