Tribal Cultures By Phil Borgses

For over twenty five years Phil Borges has documented indigenous and tribal cultures around the world. Through his exhibits, books and multimedia projects, he strives to create a heightened understanding of issues faced by people in the developing world. He found inspiration from Ron Zak who encouraged central themes through 'bodies of work'. This led to Phil Borges' signature style of black and white portraits with the subjects skin selectively toned. His largest influences were Irving Penn and Edward Curtis.
His book Tibetan Portrait: The Power of Compassion, introduces individuals from a deeply spiritual culture who strive to maintain their practice of compassion in the face of adversity. In 1998 he joined Amnesty International to present Enduring Spirit, an exhibit and book celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. His exhibit and book The Gift highlights the work of medical teams that provide facial reconstructive surgery to children in the developing world.