Description: Phil Borges' work follows the classic tradition of masters of portrait photography like Edward S. Curtis, Richard Avedon, and Irving Penn. While dramatically isolating his subjects with lighting and toning, Borges does not romanticize them, but strives for complete authenticity. His portraits are always deeply personal, describing the way life and weather have etched a human face and hands, the garments and ornaments specific to a culture, and the unique environments in which people live. Using an innovative technique, Borges sepia tones his silver print photographs in areas where flesh shows, giving the hands and faces of his subjects a striking warmth and presence against the otherwise cool black and white tones. In 1994 Borges traveled to northern India to photograph Tibetan refugees, almost all of whom had been imprisoned, tortured, or seen their loved ones killed. Despite their harrowing experiences, Borges was struck by the Tibetans' remarkable lightness and joy sustained by their Buddhist beliefs. The culture's strength is epitomized in Borges' arresting portrait of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, Tenzin Gyatso. The spiritual leader looms in front of a snow covered mountain range, regarding the viewer with an expression of tenacity and wisdom, while holding a Tibetan rosary in his hands. Signed. Copyright Phil Borges 1994. Price and availability subject to change. Shipping and insurance costs will be added to the price and must be paid for by the buyer. International clients are responsible for their VAT and other custom's oriented charges.