The "Multitude" in the Eyes of a Dutch Photographer

"To me, photography is one of the purest and most truthful art forms to observe life."
— Pie Aerts

Every Life Is Precious

A group of young monks, having completed their daily tasks, walk laughing among the temple steps.

At night, a solitary figure stands in a waist-deep river, his form illuminated by a candle floating on the water, casting a soft glow.

Meanwhile, a flower seller pauses quietly on a bustling city street, her bicycle laden with lush green leaves and blossoms—a moment of contemplation, a moment of tranquility.

These works of art are by Amsterdam-based photographer Pie Aerts, and are part of his "Because People Matter" project.

 

A quadrilateral canvas

Pie's childhood was inseparable from one thing: drawing. He recalled, "As a young child, nothing fascinated me more than drawing."

While other children were playing games or riding bikes, I would lock myself in my room—pens and paper were my playmates. When immersed in that 'world of imagination,' I never grew tired, even after hours had passed.

Drawing taught Pie to unleash his imagination and create stories on a quadrilateral canvas. Now, thirty years later, he continues that very spirit—only the medium has changed to photography.

He began carrying a camera, creating stories in the wildest lands on Earth. It could be said that Pie's aesthetics were rooted deep within him since childhood.

The most frightening decision

It wasn't until twenty years ago that Pie discovered his passion for photography. He often traveled to various places during his time off work, using his camera to capture the landscapes along the way.  
In 2018, at the age of thirty, he made a bold decision to transform photography from a hobby into a lifelong pursuit.

"I actually studied economics and business, but in 2018, both my wife and I quit our jobs, left behind our familiar lives and loved ones, and embarked on a one-way trip to India.  
It was the most frightening decision I had ever made, but my longing for that 'world of imagination' gave me the courage to take the first step."

"This decision came from a strong intuition deep within me. I had actually pondered it for many years. Before growing old, I wanted to follow my intuition and passion to keep that appointment.  

For me, it was the right choice made at the right time."

A recurring theme

When they first set out, Pie and his wife had no clear plan—only a deep desire to break free from conventional norms and explore new horizons.  
This journey marked the official beginning of Pie's photography career, and his unique photographic style gradually took shape from then on.

   

"After a few months of traveling, I was fortunate to receive an olive branch from teNeues, Europe's largest photography book publisher—they wanted to publish my first photography monograph.

   

As a result, for the next two years, we traveled to some of the most remote corners of the planet to document, create stories, and prepare for my first book.  

Gradually, I discovered a recurring theme in my artistic work: the relationship between humans and nature.

 

The Last Gaucho

"I set a small mission for myself: to photograph as many ancient lands and the lives there as possible. What follows is one of those series.  

This valley has always been fertile and geographically pristine, with plants growing here that produce the world's most natural indigo dye."

   

Indigo dye craftsmanship, Bali, Indonesia

Southern Patagonia is an extremely desolate and remote region. Over the past five years, I have been searching for the last Gauchos, seeking to understand their perspectives on their vanishing traditions and way of life.  

This will also be the theme of my next book—not just a photograph, but a complete story, a poetic record.

Gauchos and Horses, Southern Patagonia, Chile

The location of the photo below is the Himalayas, where I lived for three years—a place rich in historical and cultural significance. The woman in the photo is from a local village.  

Today, this land is facing impacts from climate change, globalization, and many other factors.

Qiangba Herders

In the deep winter of 2020, I had the privilege of spending time with reindeer herders. The tent in the photo is called a "chum," with a diameter of about 10 meters. Even when the outside temperature dropped to -30ºC, it remained remarkably warm inside due to the stove in the center.

Nenets, Yamal Peninsula, Northern Siberia

Nenets culture is built on survival—any culture or tradition unrelated to this finds no place here. For example, their language lacks words for emotional communication because it holds no necessary connection to survival. Yet, this does not hinder them from having a tradition of warm hospitality.

 

Nenets

Despite living in such a harsh environment, the people here possess the warmest and most sincere attitudes. Though food is scarce, they are always willing to share. In my eyes, they are the most endearing group of people.

   

Nenets

Flawed Authentic Beauty

Pie's initial photographic journey was about nature. Traveling across continents—from the abandoned farms of Patagonia to the dense forests of Rwanda, from the snow-covered plateaus of Siberia to the mystically pure Himalayas—he used his lens to capture breathtaking scenes that left the world in awe.

     

Beyond the theme of nature, Pie's focus on people is also a vital aspect of his work.  

Captivated by the stories of those he met along the way, Pie captured their most authentic selves—flawed, complex, and often enigmatic.

       

In a world where people are becoming increasingly wary, anxious, and obsessed with the pursuit of perfection, Pie is committed to discovering the raw qualities in people through photography.  

"In the process of spending time with people, they gradually open up, willing to reveal their inner selves to me, share their life stories, and show me the simple, mysterious, yet often imperfect nature of humanity."

   

The Unseen Poetry

Pie challenges stereotypes, avoids clichés or superficial descriptions, and instead offers deeper, nuanced, and authentic expressions that break from traditional narratives.

 

He bases his work on dignity, respect, and ethical considerations, ensuring transparent intentions and prioritizing the comfort of his subjects to build trust—which is essential for capturing people's true essence.

     

His work is candid yet poetic, telling a story while leaving room for the viewer's imagination. People are his focus, highlighting the connection between individuals and their surroundings, though the full depth of details often remains unseen.  

This precisely creates an ethereal quality, infusing each piece with a poetic, dreamlike essence that sparks the audience's imagination.

 

The Healing Power of Art

   

Later, he established a fundraising platform called Prints for Wildlife, bringing together around 275 photographers worldwide who support nature conservation by selling their work on the platform.

       

Since its establishment in 2020, the platform has donated over $2 million to the African Parks Network to support and protect local communities and wildlife there.  

Between hope and despair, he chooses the former; between coexistence and conflict, he also chooses the former.

 

Humans as subjects are deeply connected to their surrounding environment. He stated, "If you want to protect nature, you should first focus on people. Only when people are in a state of security, appreciated and respected, can we consider the protection of nature."

 

Nature, Poetry, and Nostalgia

Beyond drawing inspiration from the work of other photographers, Pie finds his true creative source outside of photography—in nature and poetry. He cherishes the intangible and abstract feelings they evoke, as they ignite his imagination, which is the most crucial element in his storytelling.

     

Additionally, he mentioned that nostalgia is another key source of inspiration. "The current instability of the world, both environmentally and socially, has deeply influenced my work. I tend to maintain a sense of nostalgia, longing for the days that are lost.  

Because, by comparison, the future is uncertain and beyond our control. This perspective keeps me focused on our past while also holding expectations for the future."

     

The Extension of Artistic Creation

After years of exploring remote regions around the world, Pie has recently begun organizing small-scale expedition projects, engaging more like-minded people in deeply immersing themselves in the theme of humans and nature.  

He says these journeys are not just about photography but more about building a profound connection with the local people and the land.

       

"As an artist and storyteller, the expedition projects are an extension of my personal artistic creation, continuing the magical experience of living in a tent for the first time in 2022 and blending with the romance of nomadic life."

       

Love in the Himalayas

In 2022, Pie set foot on the remote northwestern Tibetan Plateau for the first time and immediately fell in love with it—its unique nature and culture, but what captivated him even more were the people and their spiritual demeanor.

Himalayan Expedition

Here lies a mysterious and desolate high-altitude desert landscape, dotted with monasteries, shimmering lakes, nomadic herders, and remnants of the Silk Road.

     

Himalayan Mountains

The people here still carry on ancient traditions and customs, but how long will this inheritance last? Because a new generation is gradually growing up here—what choices will they make in the tide of the modern world?

   

Himalayan Herders

The Lehvallee people are artisans of cashmere craftsmanship. Using local cashmere, yak wool, sheep's wool, and other raw materials, they handcraft all their daily garments, preserving ancient techniques and unique skills. This practice not only enables self-sufficiency but also contributes to sustainable development.

     

Himalayan Cashmere Craftsmanship

A Wave of Hope

Pie's goal is to build stories that radiate hope and coexistence, rather than focusing on tragedy and conflict. While the importance of depicting these harsh realities is undeniable, Pie believes there should also be space for positive narratives: space for hope.

 

Today, this planet is suffering immense destruction, with the climate crisis being one of the major issues. Humans have not only lost their connection with nature but are also growing increasingly disconnected from one another.  

However, repair must begin with ourselves. Ask yourself: What do you live for? What are your values? What kind of world do you want to leave for the next generation? Reconnect with your intuition to find meaning in life.

     

Guided by your inner voice, you will discover a whole new universe—one filled with possibilities, positivity, and hope. Share this energy with those around you.  

Though individual efforts may seem insignificant, the reality is quite the opposite. Many small actions can create significant change, a wave of hope that will undoubtedly build a better world for future generations.

     

No matter where you are in the world, after reading these words, go outside, immerse yourself in nature, and engage with every change using your senses. Breathe the fresh air, quietly experience the beauty of the present moment, enjoy the sunlight caressing your face, feel the gentle breeze, or the slide of a raindrop.

     

These may seem whimsical, but the power of each present moment allows you to form the purest connection with life. What we need now is to help more people reconnect with their inner selves and the natural world.