Through struggles with strength. A photographic journey began in 2013, as the Swiss photographer Martin Rütschi set out to capture the face of Europe. His travels took him through 47 countries from Malta to the polar ice caps, from Ural to Portugal. The sheer breadth and diversity of Europe unfold in a series of over 1,200 portraits. Rütschi intuitively selects everyday citizens from all walks of life, sets up an impromptu studio comprised of a background, a tripod and a view camera, and within just a few minutes, the image is captured. Staged yet un-staged. An approach as technically challenging as it is simple. Europe is presented in a way unexpected to even Rütschi himself. He uncovers a Europe with survivingly strong cultural roots, even if they aren’t as rich as in the times of kings and castles. It’s a Europe that extends beyond the political and economic issues dominating the most dominant of European countries. Some have their golden days behind them. Others hope their golden days are yet to come. All are fighting to make the future better than the present. Surprising are the struggles spanning all ages and social classes. They are felt in the seriousness and authenticity to each of the portraits. There is neither the cultural stereotype nor is there the lightheartedness one might expect from this type of project. But, there is a certain quality in each of the people chosen. A strength. Sometimes even an optimism. Rütschi captures not only the face, but also a glimpse into the soul of Europe.
A special thanks to all my supporters and assistants who made it possible, realizing the FACE OF EUROPE project.
Jürg Klotz
Jonas Eggenberger
Julien Kambor-Prieur
Julien Permann
Andreas Nyffeler
Jonny Schai
Valentin Pakalo
Adrian Aregger
Nerina Frank
Robert Henderson
Ivan Zayats
Ferco Dregelyvari
Chandace Cheng
Lisa Zeiher
Susanne Rutz
Mindaugas Matulis
Julian Stiefel
Jonas Ihle
and all the participants
Martin Rütschi
Photographer
Wollerauerstrasse 5
CH-8834 Schindellegi
Mobil +41 79 4020212
martin@ruetschi.ch
www.ruetschi.ch