I recently travelled to Sydney, Australia, and it was an incredible experience. The city is a perfect blend of stunning natural beauty and vibrant urban life. From the iconic Sydney Opera House to the sweeping views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the city offers so many memorable sights.

One of the highlights of my trip was visiting Bondi Beach. The golden sands and rolling waves made it a perfect spot for relaxation, and the coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee was breathtaking, offering panoramic views of the ocean.

I also explored the historic Rocks district, where the city’s colonial past is still visible in the cobblestone streets and old buildings. The local markets there were full of unique finds, and I enjoyed tasting different Australian foods.

A visit to the Royal Botanic Garden allowed me to take in some of the lush greenery and native plants that Australia is known for. From there, I had an amazing view of the harbour, and it was a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Sydney’s diverse neighbourhoods each offered something special. Whether it was the trendy cafés in Surry Hills, the art scene in Newtown, or the high-end shopping in Paddington, there was always something new to discover.

My time in Sydney was unforgettable, and I left with a deeper appreciation for Australia’s culture, landscapes, and people. It’s a city I’d love to return to someday.

My trips to Sydney from 2019 to 2024 became the inspiration for my latest exhibition, which will be on display from September 1 to October 13, 2024, at the legendary Åland Maritime Museum.

If you’ve seen Scarlett Johansson wandering through the bustling streets of Tokyo in Lost in Translation, you’ve already caught a glimpse of what Japan’s capital is made of. Tokyo has been inhabited for over two thousand years, with its modern incarnation beginning in 1457.

Tokyo is a vibrant, neon-lit metropolis where the past is deeply cherished. As I capture the city through my lens, I aim to convey its unique feeling and mood. I follow the streams of people along the streets, encountering hospitable and polite Japanese locals who often thank me for taking their pictures.

The city is a fascinating blend of contrasts—there’s a constant mass of people everywhere, yet the backstreets are eerily quiet. Behind every frenetic crossing lies a quieter block. Tokyo is unique in that, despite its modernity, traditional elements are ever-present. Behind every skyscraper, you’ll often find a temple or a historical building, a testament to the harmonious coexistence of the old and the new.

The distinctive Japanese culture, largely shaped during the 300 years the country was isolated from the rest of the world, expresses itself on all levels and in countless technological innovations. For a visitor from the West, Tokyo feels like stepping into a parallel world.

After Tokyo, I visited Kyoto, which served as Japan’s capital for over a thousand years until Tokyo assumed that role in 1868. The city is rich in history, filled with Buddhist temples and shrines, and has long been a center of culture, philosophy, and religion. The geisha tradition in Kyoto remains vibrant, with geishas here still referred to as “geikos.”

On my last evening before departure, I had a rare encounter with a maiko, an apprentice geiko, who stepped out of a taxi holding a gift. She walked swiftly past me, and I discreetly managed to capture a single photograph of her. That photo now hangs in a lady’s home—a fleeting moment that would have been impossible to capture on the bustling street.

Through my pictures and photographic expression, I aim to evoke a sense of wonder and stir a longing in the viewer to explore and experience these places for themselves, focusing on my visit to the Duomo and its architectural and sculptural beauty.

My trip to Milan was a captivating experience, with the highlight being my visit to the iconic Duomo di Milano. The Duomo is not just a cathedral; it’s a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and seeing it in person was truly awe-inspiring.

As I approached the Duomo, I was immediately struck by its grandeur and intricate details. The façade is adorned with countless sculptures and carvings, each one telling a different story. The sheer scale of the cathedral, with its towering spires reaching towards the sky, is both overwhelming and fascinating.

Photographing the Duomo was an incredible experience. The light filtering through the intricate stained glass windows inside the cathedral created a magical atmosphere, while the play of shadows on the exterior sculptures added depth to every shot. Each angle revealed new details—the delicate carvings of saints, the elaborate stonework, and the majestic statues that seem to watch over the city.

Climbing to the rooftop of the Duomo was another unforgettable experience. From there, I had a panoramic view of Milan, with the city’s skyline stretching out below me. Standing among the spires and statues, so close you could touch them, gave me a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship that went into creating this architectural wonder.

The Duomo di Milano is not just a building; it’s a work of art that embodies the spirit of Milan. My visit left me with a profound respect for the artistry and vision that brought this cathedral to life, and it remains one of the most memorable experiences of my time in Milan.