The Guardians A crowdfunding campaign for photographer and artist Vladimir Antaki's photo book

Photographer and artist Vladimir Antaki announces the crowdfunding campaign for his photobook “The Guardians,” which features around 70 photographs of artisans, workers, and small traders that have been photographed in their environment.

The campaign is ongoing and will be held till November 15 on the Zoomaal platform.

Born out of the desire to document and pay tribute to the hidden gems in the heart of every city, Antaki traveled around Europe, the Middle East, and the United States to photograph what he refers to as Urban Temples. These mystical, unique and vibrant spaces are home to shopkeepers, who protect their temples.

“The Guardians” a body of work that has been shot over a period of six years aims to connect people through photography by eradicating the common impediments individuals are confronted with when they find a place too peculiar or eccentric to wander in.

Anataki’s approach is based on hap-hazardous discoveries of treasures that he finds whilst traveling. As he enters these almost forgotten spaces, he introduces himself, and within minutes, he captures the straight gaze of a stranger caught in the center of his universe.

The book will feature around 70 photographs shot in approximately twenty cities, including Beirut, Paris, Montreal, Mexico City, London, Berlin, New York, Istanbul, and Marrakesh. These magical places are filled with narratives of characters who have touched Antaki’s heart. Funny, eccentric and sometimes frightening, these Guardians hold the key to many interesting traditions and storylines.

By pre-ordering your copy, you’re helping Anataki finance the production costs of the book. The crowdfunding campaign is being held on Zoomaal and will run till November 15.