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Matthew Desantis
Matthew Desantis

June 07 : 2024

Matthew Desantis

Photography has the keen ability to share cultures and traditions far from our own backyards. This winning image, juxtaposing iconography with something as modern as baseball, helps viewers see something unexpected from a distant part of the world.

by Lily Fierman

"Baseball in Bhutan"

Q:

Can you please tell us more about making your winning image, “Baseball in Bhutan”?

A:

The image captures our fifteen-year journey, which began in 2010 when I introduced baseball to Bhutan, a minor component within a broader initiative led by the Bhutan Olympic Committee under the guidance of His Royal Highness Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, to foster a vibrant sports culture in Bhutan.

Taken on a foggy day with light rainfall as dusk approached at the Buddha Dordenma Statue, overlooking Thimphu city, the photo depicts Bhutanese teenagers from Bhutan’s first club team, the Thimphu Red Pandas, engaged in a spirited game of baseball. Draped in the nation's traditional noble attire, they represent the harmonious fusion of tradition and modernity that characterizes Bhutan, with the inspiring Buddha in the backdrop. I have known some of these players since they began their journey at our free public camps in 2013, some as young as 8 or 10 years old when they first picked up a baseball. Despite initially playing on concrete due to limited field access, they continue their passion, organizing pickup games reminiscent of their simple beginnings.

After the photo gained viral traction on X with over 15 million views, catalyzed by a Major League Baseball article about the program, baseball in Bhutan has garnered support from the global baseball community, inspiring the youth to persist in their dedication. This echoes Buddha's belief: 'Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it.'

Q:

In your bio, you mention you are one of “Bhutan’s longest residing non-natives with a personal relationship with Bhutan that dates back to [your] youth.” Why and how did this relationship with Bhutan begin?

A:

For the better part of my life, Bhutan has been central. It began at the age of 14 while at secondary school, where I learned about Bhutan through a voice that holds a deep love for it. After years of building computer systems remotely for both public and private sectors following its transition to democracy, I eventually found myself deep within some of the Kingdom's most remote villages. Embraced by a circle of friends who had known each other since childhood, I am forever grateful to now consider them among my closest friends. Over the next 14 years, I journeyed deeper into Bhutan's tranquil realms of culture, landscape, and spirituality; forging new friendships along the way. This journey has created a home, one which I am deeply thankful for. Though I will never embody the profound essence of being Bhutanese, I am humbled whenever Bhutanese friends introduce me as one of them.

Q:

You are also very involved with Bhutan beyond living there, which shows in this photo as it feels as if you’re part of the scene. Can you tell us about what you do outside of photography and how this allows you to take intimate photos like this one?

A:

I am the founder of MyBhutan , Bhutan’s boutique luxury travel designer and outfitter, as well as Beyul Labs , a technology company offering a range of digital products, including Bhutan’s premier online payments platform.

Additionally, I have initiated or co-founded several nonprofit projects. These include a national preservation initiative for the Central Monastic Body that documents, digitizes, and archives Bhutan’s sacred objects across 2,200 monasteries, a plantation initiative for the Department of Forests to build community forests and employ villagers to maintain them, and the establishment of The Explorers Club Bhutan Chapter, of which I am currently the chairperson, aimed at nurturing local talent in the fields of science and exploration.

After the photo gained viral traction on X with over 15 million views, catalyzed by a Major League Baseball article about the program, baseball in Bhutan has garnered support from the global baseball community, inspiring the youth to persist in their dedication. This echoes Buddha's belief: 'Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it.'

Q:

Who are some photographers, artists, or creatives that inspire you?

A:

Poetry has always been my wellspring of creative inspiration, with Rumi being the enduring muse.

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Q:

What photographers, artists, creatives, or otherwise would you love to have a chat with?

A:

I don't have anyone specific in mind. I'm drawn to individuals who share my enthusiasm for community development, heritage documentation, and, naturally, exploration.

Q:

What are you working on next?

A:

We are moving into short documentaries. We intend to document individuals preserving Bhutan's critically endangered crafts, protecting its endangered wildlife, reviving forgotten songs, and more. There is an abundance of untold stories related to Bhutan’s heritage that have gone undocumented over time.

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Q:

What is your dream subject?

A:

I'm not chasing a dream subject. I am focused on the place closest to my heart: Bhutan. There is a warmth here that resonates within me deeply. While photography is not my profession, I often carry a camera with me because Bhutan's breathtaking landscapes, rich tapestry of sub-cultures, and compassionate individuals inspire me to document what makes life in Bhutan so beautiful.

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Matthew Desantis

Matthew Desantis

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Bhutan

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