The Omo-Valley located in the South West of Ethiopia is one of the most culturally rich tribal regions in the world (250.000 tribal people).
Unfortunately, their world is changing rapidly - with the building of the Gibe dams, highways into the region, massive growth in tourism, and largescale industrialized farming. In particular, the building of the latest hydro-electric dam Gibe III to provide electricity for Ethiopia and export to its neighboring countries along with the associated land grabs for commercial plantation has threatened the way the tribes live as well as their livelihoods.
In 2017 Anja Bruehling gave up her global executive career to pursue her passion -documentary and fine art photography. She has worked and traveled 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 a medium to stay curious more than ever and to make observations, explore places, prosperity, beauty, people, and the socio-economic problems they face.
Awards 2020 - American Photographer 36 – Chosen Winner
2019 - American Photographer 35 – Chosen Winner
2018 - 4 finalist mention in the 11th Julia Cameron Awards
2017 – American Photographer 33 – Chosen Winner
2016 – American Photographer 32– Selected Winner
2016 – Latin American Fotografia 5 – Selected Winner
2016 – Finalist – Social Documentary Network – Visual Stories
2015 – Critical Mass (Top 200)
2015 – American Photographer 31 – Chosen Winner
