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The Namib Desert is vast, arid expanse of constantly moving gravel plains and dunes. It covers more than 31 000 square miles stretching the whole of the western coast of Namibia, into Angola and South Africa. The winds blow relentlessly and thick fog frequently blankets the towering dunes along the coast. Although it supports a wide diversity of flora and fauna, it is a harsh environment for man and mammal.
In the midst of this seemingly inhospitable region, near Garub, live the elusive wild horses that have fascinated people for almost a century. And into this wilderness a young slip of a girl ventured, alone and armed with little more than a camera, a tent and a burning desire to follow the call of the wild. As the weeks turned into months, Miona Janeke followed the herd from before sunrise until after dark: learning, understanding, photographing and becoming one with the free-spirited horses.
Spirit of the Wind is the result of an intrepid pilgrimage to discover the essence of the mysterious herds of feral horses. The exquisite photographs of the horses and their surroundings show a deep, almost spiritual, connection between subject and photographer. They are testament to a rare talent and an indomitable personality.
South African photographer Miona Janeke went on a three-week journey with the sole purpose of photographing Namibia's wild desert horses. Seven months later she has remained, as the soul and character of the land have kept her bound. Miona holds a BA degree in Applied Design and Photography from the Stellenbosch Academy of Graphic Design and Photography, graduating at the end of 2008.
A wildlife photographer with two solo exhibitions under her belt, she is an avid conservationist and involved with various conservation projects. This is her first venture into nature photography and her first book.
