Let's... turn our backs on the wonders.

When we turn our backs on the wonders of the world

In 2012, photographer Oliver Curtis was on assignment in Cairo, Egypt, and like millions of other tourists, he visited the Great Pyramids of Giza. However, instead of pointing his camera at the oldest surviving wonder of the ancient world, he turned to look in the opposite direction.

Curtis described it: "I realized I had just arrived here by the same road, and now the pyramid was behind me. The city of Giza lay shrouded in a veil of mist. Right before me, the desert sands were adorned with countless pieces of human debris: rubbish, rusty metal scraps, a huge rubber washer, and a tattered sack. Then, in the middle, I saw a newly built golf course, its fairways gleaming a dazzling green in the morning sun. That image, the contrast of colors, the spatial texture—they stimulated intense curiosity. Because I was standing before one of the world's greatest wonders, yet turned away."wrongdirection".

What do we see?

When one turns their back, much of what they see is merely mundane, perhaps even a stark contrast to the magnificent scenery behind. These are overlooked views. They evoke a quiet history and hint at a story. These perspectives seem truly forgotten, inadvertently or intentionally suppressed in the shadow of great wonders.

"When you visit famous places that have been photographed so many times, you feel like you already know everything," Curtis says. Instead, he observes the surrounding landscape to understand how national pride is expressed through the land and people of that region, not just through a static wonder behind him.

That year, what photographer Curtis saw with his back to the Great Pyramid of Giza captivated him so much that he decided to start a special photography project calledVolte-Face(Translated roughly as: The Opposite Side). He seeks out famous landmarks and historical sites around the world, capturing completely contrasting perspectives, in search of forgotten images and faces.

It took four years to complete.Volte-FaceIt's an invitation to return to places that the world has photographed so much, so familiar that it seems there's nothing left to discover – and to turn around. To look in a different direction. To appreciate a chance encounter.

In a few rare instances, Curtis might plan ahead before arriving at a location. For example, when he wanted to photograph the famous bench at the Taj Mahal, where Princess Diana stopped to admire the masterpiece symbolizing love. But usually, exploring a single location can take several days. Curtis always tries to avoid having other tourists in the frame too conspicuously, yet the connection between people and the space remains present throughout the project.

"Even the most photographed landmarks on the planet have surprises in store."- This was the final message from photographer Curtis.

Translation - Photo: Oliver Curtis