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Asase Ye Duru “The Earth Has Weight”

Asase Ye Duru “The Earth Has Weight”

Natalija GormalovabyNatalija Gormalova
5 de June de 2025
in Photo Essay

Selected in FotoDoc Photo Contest 2025

In Ghanaian culture, the concept Asase Ye Duru—”the Earth has weight”—reflects a profound respect for the planet’s power, wisdom, and divinity. Rooted in the beliefs of the Akan people, this concept emphasizes a symbiotic relationship with nature, seeing it not just as a resource but as a living entity filled with spirits and deities that hold the power to guide, heal, and protect. Ghana’s traditions celebrate the interconnectedness of life, with rivers, forests, and natural elements believed to be inhabited by spirits that bless those who honor them. In a world fractured by disconnection from nature, these beliefs serve as a poignant reminder of the unity humanity can find in respecting and nurturing the Earth.

This photographic series explores themes of healing and reconciliation through the lens of these cultural values. It follows the journey of a young Ghanaian man seeking solace and truth in nature’s embrace. Through rituals, sacred spaces, and the quiet wisdom of the land, his story illustrates how nature can provide not only personal healing but also a collective sense of purpose and connection.

The images capture the spiritual intimacy between humanity and the environment, transcending cultural boundaries to convey a universal message: when we harmonize with nature, we harmonize with ourselves and each other. In a time of global environmental crises and societal divides, Asase Ye Duru is a call to unity—a reminder that the Earth’s weight is not just a burden but a sacred bond that can bring us together in compassion and shared responsibility.

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Natalija Gormalova

Natalija Gormalova

Natalija Gormalova is a visual artist, documentary photographer, and filmmaker based in Accra, Ghana. Her work delves into critical global issues, including women’s rights, environmental challenges, migration, memory, mental health, and identity. Through her lens, Natalija explores the complexities of life and narratives that unveil the intricacies of our shared humanity, nurturing empathy, understanding, and dialogue across diverse cultures and contexts. Originally from Latvia, Natalija moved to London at the age of 17 to pursue her passion for art. She studied at the London College of Communication and later earned a Master’s degree in Photography from the Royal College of Art. Since 2015, Natalija has been creating impactful work across Africa, shaped by her experiences living in diverse cultures. In Accra, Natalija is a member of Nuku Studio, a community fostering photographic practice and research. For nearly five years, Natalija worked as a stringer and special assignments photographer for Agence France-Presse (AFP) and the Associated Press (AP), contributing powerful visual narratives to internationally recognized publications. In addition to photography, Natalija explores storytelling through filmmaking. Her debut short film, Spirits We Dance, portrays the lives of two disabled dancers in Accra, connecting their physical and spiritual worlds through movement. The film has earned international acclaim, winning awards such as Best Experimental Film at the Cannes Independent Film Festival and Best Director at the Montreal Independent Short Film Festival. Natalija’s approach to storytelling combines sensitivity and depth, revealing the complexities of human existence with dignity and care.

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