Reed Pike Photography
The West Bank (né the Occupied Territories to some, or Palestine to others) is a cauldron of simmering conflict, oppression, resistance, protests, and sporadic violence, and now open warfare, whose origins go back several millennia or more but whose wounds are as fresh as yesterday. Both parties, the Israelis and Palestinians, lay claim to the land based on faith and both historical and legal precedents. Each party believes they are engaged in an existential battle. I have no stake in this conflict, nor do I have the knowledge, understanding, or desire even to attempt to judge the merits of each party’s case.
Jordan is home to some of my personal favorite places, including Petra, Jerash, and Wadi Rum. For anyone interested in history, Jordan is a must-see.
My visits were strictly personal, with no political purpose. I believed the visits to the region's numerous historical sites and ruins would be the most memorable parts of my journey, but equally remarkable were the kindness, openness, and hospitality of the people I met.
When I started taking the images for this book, I thought I was photographing the past. Later, as I processed the images and began to sort them, I realized I was photographing the present. And now, that present is the past – thus the title “Past and Present.” I appreciate your interest, and I hope you enjoy the images.
