OTTUK

In the winter of 2020 Luke travelled to the Tien Shan mountains of Central Kyrgyzstan for one month to cover a story about Ottuk, a small village of shepherds suffering from severe predation on livestock by a growing population of wolves. Initially a short trip, it evolved into a five-year project as Luke was embraced by the community, documenting their lives, traditions, and the harsh landscape that defines them. His work "Ottuk" delves into their dreams, hardships, and the ancient ways that endure.

In Kyrgyzstan, they say, "It only takes one frost," implying the potential to lose everything. In the Tien Shan mountains, where temperatures plummet to -35°C, a single night outside can devastate entire flocks. The landscape, dotted with frozen sheep like stone statues, mirrors the precariousness of village life. Injuries, illnesses, and age-old feuds shape destinies, while enduring principles—hospitality, loyalty, and the sanctity of one's word—govern their timeless existence.

Ottuk remains a world apart, nestled in a valley untouched by time, where legends echo among mountains that define its people's resilient spirit.