Tales from the Roads Less Traveled

In the past few years, photographer Pie Aerts has traveled to some of the most remote corners of our planet. From the deep jungles of West-Papua to the far outskirts of Bolivia and from the tiniest mountain villages in the Himalayas to the beating heart of the Okavango Delta. Wherever he goes, Pie uses his camera to capture the unfiltered reality of every-day life; highlighting the simple, imperfect and mysterious nature of being human.

Tales From the Roads Less Traveled takes you along with Pie and his girlfriend Jessica, on a journey looking for real stories about real people. Presenting the world as it is – in its purest form. With Pie’s unique view on people, wildlife & nature, Tales From the Roads Less Traveled evokes a sense of belonging in every inhabitant of this earth. Providing a new view on this beautiful planet, as well as unique and undiscovered routes past the hidden treasures it has to offer.

The Karamojong are one of the last peoples in Uganda to strongly hold on to their traditional ways. Resisting the pressures of the rest of the world to leave their unique culture behind, most shun Western-style clothes and wear their elaborate scar patterns with pride. These are created during extensive scarification ceremonies using thorns and razor blades; organic ash is rubbed into the initial cut to have them heal as raised bumps. A painful ritual performed solely for aesthetic reasons. As always, beauty comes in many forms.

Pie Aerts is a Dutch photographer residing in Amsterdam but spending most of his time documenting his travels around the world. He loves long road trips, the universe, sunlight and the old days, but above all else, telling stories. Being a kid there was nothing he loved more than drawing. It taught him to use his imagination and create stories within the four edges of a canvas. Years later, in his work as a photographer, he uses that visual story-telling in an attempt to emotionally connect viewers with what he sees, whether it is people, wildlife or landscapes.

Pie Aerts: Tales from the Roads Less Traveled is a teNeues | MENDO publication. The book is published in July 2019. Pre-order your copy today.