Words by Nancy Li

We need stories like this in self-absorbed days to inspire us on strength, persistence, pain, solitude and to conclude, absurd action. If pilgrims in Tibet are known to tread through mountains and rivers to preach towards an invisible future. Then what is Anton’s purpose? Crossing borders of seven countries, reaching the ever strange lands. What is the profoundest philosophy he might have gained throughout his journey about giving up and starting again.

After all, there is tomorrow after another tomorrow. Facing wrinkled sea may you forget about time vanishing behind us. Walking on the forthcoming road may you see light dimming brightly over horse’s back. Further away from modern living, he was measuring the ever so abstract notions of freedom and uncertainty by steps, one heavy with question, after another light with acceptance.

When Anton walked into our store, he looked like someone with stories to tell. We sat down together outside over sporadic silence and shared passion for poetry and black and white photography. Needless to say more, you will find his personality shone briskly through the frames of moments that he thoughtfully captured with his lens – ever lasting until his next unplanned journey.

STREUNER by Anton Gartung is a photo collection documenting Anton Gartung’s three-month walk from Berlin to Athens. Every copy is numbered and signed by Anton himself with a photograph available to gift to any friend who is in vain

Poem by Ferdinan Uth in both German and English

Available at Motto Berlin and online