15 Beautifully Cluttered Portraits Of Independent Shop Owners From Around The World
Independent stores are captured in all their chaotic glory in this colourful photo series by Vladimir Antaki.
Forget giant shopping malls and supermarkets the size of airports. The real beauty of commerce can be seen in these portraits of store owners, who sum up the spirit of independent trading.
French-Lebanese photographer Vladimir Antaki shot these photos as part of his series The Guardians, which provides an intimate glimpse into the proud world of the sole trader.
1. Jainul, New York City
2. Richard, Montreal
3. Abou Georges, Beirut
4. Yacek, London
5. Marie, Montreal
6. David, London
7. Terrence, Montreal
8. Baba, Paris
These stores possess a nostalgic and humane quality that is difficult to find in other commercial environments. I left it to fate to take me to all these magical places. I walk around the city without any specific itinerary. I love getting lost.
9. Alyssa, Montreal
10. Jose, New York City
11. Rachid, Paris
12. Abdo, Beirut
13. "Birdman", New York City
14. Denise, Paris
It's a project that is based on my intimate relationship with coincidence and fate and on the amazing surprises they have in store for me. I want my Guardians to look majestic – this is why I portray them in a way that clashes with the way people see them in everyday life.
15. Abraham, Beirut
