Gabi Steiner | The Poetry of Dust and Horn

The Poetry of Dust and Horn
by Gabi Steiner

In the early light of South Sudan, the Mundari cattle camp awakens between smoke and silence. Before sunrise, boys sleep among towering white cattle, sharing warmth and breath in a bond shaped by trust and dependence. Here, cattle are not simply livestock — they are identity, wealth, memory, and continuity.
– Gabi Steiner

At first light, the rhythm of responsibility begins. Boys clear the ground of dung while men tend to the herd, carefully rubbing the animals with ash. The same ash often covers their faces and bodies— a gesture both practical and symbolic. It cools the skin, keeps insects away, and marks belonging.

• Gabi Steiner

Dust rises into the morning air, transforming the camp into a place that feels suspended in time. Portraits emerge from the haze:
boys standing at the threshold between childhood and duty, men whose quiet presence reflects the strength and dignity of their cattle.
In a tender moment, a boy kneels and gently presses his forehead against a young calf’s—a simple gesture revealing a profound connection between the human and the animal.
– Gabi Steiner

“Photography makes me happy and is balm for my soul.”

Gabi Steiner

Gabi Steiner is a photographer and passionate traveler based in Austria, driven by her curiosity to explore the world’s hidden corners. She honed her artistic vision through extensive studies at the German photography college Foto-Kunst-Kultur, where she refined her technical skills and creative expression. Since completing this intensive training, photography has evolved from a simple hobby into a heartfelt passion for her.

Rather than focusing on a specific genre, Gabi uses photography to capture the beauty of life, nature, and human connection. Her work often highlights the lives and traditions of tribal communities, demonstrating her deep respect for cultural preservation. Through her lens, she aims to evoke emotion and awareness, showcasing the diversity and dignity of different cultures.

“If I manage to get the viewer’s full attention and pause for a moment to look closely at my image, then I have achieved my goal.”

As long as I can remember, I have been deeply passionate about travel photography. Despite my enthusiasm,
I longed to refine my photography skills to reflect my creative vision more professionally.
The pivotal moment in my artistic journey occurred in 2017, when I had the good fortune to meet Helga Partikel, an inspiring instructor, during an introductory course at the renowned Prague School of Photography. Her passion for photography and insightful guidance opened a new world for me. Since that first encounter, I have eagerly participated in several courses at her photography college, where I have witnessed a remarkable transformation in my abilities. With her expert mentorship, what began as a simple hobby has blossomed into a heartfelt passion and profession, fueling my desire to capture the world in all its beauty.
Through my trained eye for potential subjects, I have learned to be more vigilant and see things I would have overlooked before. When I am out with my camera, I am so focused that I forget everything around me and lose all sense of time.

As the sun sets behind a forest of horns, another atmosphere unfolds. Warm light settles over the camp, holding a way of life shaped by devotion, resilience, and deep community.
In a rapidly changing world, the Mundari remind us that humanity’s state is not defined solely by progress, but also by enduring bonds between people, animals, land, and tradition.
– Gabi Steiner

After Lens Magazine featured me with the cover story in the Mix Edition #128 in May 2025, it seemed as though many doors opened up for me almost effortlessly. I have won numerous awards in international competitions, was named “Discovery of the Year 2025” in the “Portrait” category at the Refocus Awards, had the opportunity to display two of my images at the “Atlas of Humanity” exhibition in Paris, and will once again be part of the “Atlas of Humanity” exhibition in New York end June 2026.

It’s simply wonderful that Lens Magazine has once again placed its trust in me and that I have the opportunity to present my work in this edition.

Website: gabisteiner.at | Instagram: @gabisteinerphoto