Travel photographer Matteo Carta discusses his mission to convey in pictures the importance of cultural diversity in a modernising world.
What got you started in photography?
I did Asian studies and after graduating from university I moved to China, to teach Italian. During my time off work I always went backpacking around South East Asia. I started taking pictures, simply because it became the easier medium to show my parents my whereabouts. When travelling solo, the camera became my companion and once I’d started, I became completely absorbed in photography. It became my main reason for travelling and immersing myself in other cultures and their people. Before I moved to China I used to play bass guitar in a band and, in a way, being busy creatively is something that I need in my life. I am a curious person and I always need to challenge myself.
What motivates your photography?
When I’m photographing, my attention falls on moments of life that define the culture of a country, or a specific ethnic group. I like people and how different we are – differences are, in my opinion, what define us. We live in a fast-changing world, where cultures are melting together and becoming similar. Modernity has improved our lives, but we cannot underestimate the cultural loss that comes with it. Having a picture published in National Geographic was a great [personal] achievement and was also a great push to follow my desires.
This story is from the Issue 203 edition of Digital Photographer.
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This story is from the Issue 203 edition of Digital Photographer.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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