Wanderschaft

Strange and free, without means yet rich, alone among equals, without a residence, yet at home in the world. Which people still willingly submit to such strict customs in the 21st century to gain the gift of the greatest conceivable freedom and self-determination by renouncing comfort, security, and stability for at least three years in a foreign land? Holger Keifel explores the depths of these personalities with his empathetic portraits. His lens seems to penetrate the many layers of his subjects, capturing a clear yet gentle reality of an often misinterpreted facade. The photographs tell stories of courage, adventure, and a passion for the craft. The photographer has interviewed the portrayed individuals about their experiences during their wanderings. Against the mythologization of wandering, he exposes stereotypical notions of the carpenter in black attire with tales of apprentices on the road, who are living this rare example right here and now.