Contortion

• Prize
  Bronze in People/Children
• Photographer
  Anja Bruehling
• Technical Info
  Nikon 35mm
• Photo Date
  2019

In Mongolia, flexing and bending the body into seemingly impossible positions has been perfected into what some call a uniquely Mongolian tradition. In the last 70 years, Mongolia has become a breeding ground for the world's top contortionists, who have performed everywhere from Russia's Bolshoi Theater to the Cirque du Soleil. Indeed, while other well-meaning parents around the world might send their little girls to ballet or piano lessons, in Mongolia they're more likely to drop them off at contortion school.

In 2017 Anja Bruehling gave up her global executive career to pursue her passion -documentary and fine art photography. She has worked and travelled to over 60 countries. Her passions are documenting people, diverse cultures, social issues and the human condition around the world. She sees the camera as medium to stay curious more than ever and to make observations, explore places, prosperity, beauty, people and the socio-economic problems they face.