“Friends” - Ethiopia, 2020
In the heart of Ethiopia’s Omo Valley, the Surma people carry on a living art form rooted in nature. Every day, they transform their bodies into vibrant canvases, drawing inspiration from the wild beauty that surrounds them — exotic flowers, towering trees, and the fertile land they call home. With colors made from crushed minerals — reds, ochres, yellows, and whites — and adorned with leaves, berries, and blossoms, they paint patterns that echo the markings of animals and the rhythms of their environment. What once served to protect against sun and insects during hunts has evolved into a stunning expression of creativity, identity, and connection to Mother Earth. These three friends created their own visual symphony, layering dots, stripes, and natural motifs into something entirely their own — ephemeral fashion born from the soil, the forest, and imagination. © Jacopo Maria Della Valle