Tomaten in der Winterzeit (eng. Tomatoes in Winter Time) is a series about life in the Kyrgyz village of Bergtal. 

Bergtal was founded in 1927 by Mennonites, a Protestant religious community from Germany, who were displaced for centuries because of their faith. In the meantime, most of the German residents have moved away, and some Kyrgyz have moved in. 

During my visit, I encountered various things that I miss in Germany. The villagers are for the most part self-sufficient. Growing all kinds of fruits and vegetables and keeping animals seems to make their lives more independent and conscious. 

In the western world I am often lacking this awareness, be it in consumption or in everyday life. Still, I also know that I for the most part feel comfortable in this world.

The title Tomaten in der Winterzeit was created during a dinner with a Kyrgyz family. The tomatoes were from the previous summer. Pickled in vinegar, they bridge the gap to the next harvest. For me, they symbolize both the magnificence of growing one's own tomatoes and the limitations of self-sufficiency.  

Book
40 pages, 22 images, 170 x 225 mm, softcover with linen envelope,