Exhibit: Camerawork Gallery presents Soul of the Burkitshi Photographs by Oliver Klink.

Oliver Klink photographed in Mongolia the young women, who are overcoming centuries of male-dominated tradition to master the ancient and noble art of hunting with eagles. While cultural and environmental factors threaten the livelihood of the sport, the Kazakhs are fighting to keep their culture alive. Riding horseback through the frigid terrain, these brave huntresses are out to prove they have deep souls and are just as capable as the hunters that preceded them.  

Location: Camerawork Gallery, 301 N. Graham Street, Portland, Oregon 97227

Dates: June 1-28, 2019

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Cultural Events: 

Opening Reception: Saturday, June 8, 4-6:30 pm featuring a book signing with Oliver Klink and presentation. 

Artist Statement:

Nestled in the snowy mountaintops of Western Mongolia, the Kazakhs have mastered the ancient and noble art of hunting with eagles. For nomadic tribes, their survival depends not only on training these majestic birds but in passing on their skills to the younger generation. For centuries, this knowledge has been transferred from father to son, but that’s all beginning to change.

The young women are becoming Bürkitshi, the Kazakh word for eagle hunters. This shift is no accident. Eagle hunting has slowly transitioned from a means of survival to a sightseeing attraction. This influx of commercialism has altered their trading power and divided the community. No longer are they exchanging goods and furs, now they are earning currency through tourism. Teaching the art of eagle hunting to women makes the Kazakh even more interesting to tourists and prevents the sport from becoming diluted or dying out altogether.

These images are a glimpse into the soul of the hunters in a time of rapid change. There is a deep bond and a rich unspoken language between the Bürkitshi and their eagles. Yes, the hunt is violent, but the Bürkitshi’s intimate connection with their animals instills the sport with a sense of grace and art.

For those who truly live as Bürkitshi, the future doesn’t faze them. They still hunt in the way of their ancestors, migrate through the rugged terrain and share stories over cups of fermented mare’s milk and baursak (fried dough balls). Only now, these stories are being told by brave new huntresses.

Geir Jordahl (Publisher, True North Editions) writes: “Klink’s images transcend borders without homogenizing very distinct peoples, nationalities, and cultures. The uniqueness of each is present, yet Klink asks us to see the links between them and to see ourselves within each tribe. He connects us through the use of common bonds, gestures, and expressions. In this way the personalities of his subjects shine through – their emotion, their joy, their connections with each other and, by association their connection to the viewer.”

Press Coverage: