Man carrying sticks Dheboor India | Wall Art

Elderly Man Carrying Sticks in Dheboor, India – Black and White Wall Art

This photograph tells a quiet yet powerful story of life in Dheboor, India. The elderly man, draped in a thick shawl, stands calmly, holding a bundle of sticks and roots in his hands. His face, lined with age, reflects years of hard work and resilience, yet there’s a softness in his expression—perhaps a mixture of pride and weariness. The shawl wraps around him like a protective layer against the elements, adding a sense of dignity and comfort to the scene. 

What really strikes me is the texture of everything in the frame: the folds in the shawl, the roughness of the sticks in his hands, and the deeply etched lines of his weathered skin. The black and white composition emphasizes these textures, giving the image a timeless quality. There’s no need for color here—the contrast between the dark fabric, the pale hands, and the neutral background creates a sense of simplicity and depth that speaks to the subject’s humble existence.

This portrait goes beyond just capturing a man—it encapsulates a life shaped by the land and the passage of time. The slight tilt of his head and the directness of his gaze all suggest someone who has experienced much and continues to move forward, step by step, with the earth providing both sustenance and struggle.

Personal note: This was one of those moments where I was witnessing the essence of everyday resilience. The man’s steady grip on the bundle of sticks, his quiet demeanor, and the way he carried himself left a lasting impression. There’s a lot of beauty in these small, ordinary moments that speak of perseverance and connection to the land.

© Dan Kosmayer, 2010