Brooklyn-based photographers Jessica Sucher and Sasha Bezzubov dedicated an entire year of their lives to 'The Searchers,' a three-part project chronicling Westerners who look for spiritual wisdom in the east.
It might seem counter-intuitive, but spirituality has become big business. Though it is relatively inexpensive for Westerners to dabble in, the 'spiritual tourism' industry earns an appreciable profit. Both Sucher and Bezzubov consider themselves spiritual seekers, familiar with several of the communities they later photographed. At its heart, the project examines the insider/outsider dichotomy evident within the industry.
Though the two set out to create "a sort of anthropology of tourism," they found that their subjects were made up of more than just the stereotypical western wanderer, and they encountered several inspiring individuals who had committed to a more permanent way of life. Despite the variance in their subjects, the issue of cultural appropriation remains implicit in the series.
Spiritual Tourism Photography
The Searchers Examines the Western Pursuit of Nirvana
Trend Themes
1. Spiritual Tourism - Opportunity to create digital platforms that connect spiritual seekers with authentic experiences and people, bridging the insider/outsider dichotomy.
2. Anthropology of Tourism - Opportunity to develop and sell conscious tourism packages that showcase authentic experiences while empowering local communities.
3. Cultural Appropriation - Opportunity to bring awareness to cultural appropriation within the spiritual tourism industry and develop ethical guidelines for practitioners.
Industry Implications
1. Travel and Hospitality - Opportunity to integrate spiritual experiences into travel packages and accommodations, meeting the increasing demand for transformative experiences.
2. Photography and Art - Opportunity to create exhibitions and books centered around cultural exchange and spiritual tourism, providing a unique perspective on the industry.
3. Technology - Opportunity to develop virtual reality experiences that simulate spiritual journeys, providing accessibility and convenience for seekers who cannot physically travel.