Have you ever dreamed of traveling the world? I didn’t. But somehow it happened anyway
Hi. I’m Michael Robert Powell – call me MRP – and my life is an unplanned adventure that just goes with the flow.
And for 30 years now, I’ve zig-zagged the planet – backpacking overland in 120+ countries, including territories like Antarctica.
The Art of Travel
Creating travel impressions with software gives me great pleasure and I hope my art conveys the excitement of the journey and the amazing places experienced.
My portfolio features unique travel panoramas, black & white imagery, and vibrant, surreal art.
Despite being nomadic, I have held a solo exhibition in New Zealand and been part of a major exhibition in Sweden at the Museum of World Culture.
Travel has guided my entire adult life
My story is not that cliched quitting the 9-5 and selling everything to see the world.
No.
Way back in 1988 following graduation, I left New Zealand for London with the aim of enjoying Indie music and big city life.
But things changed – a dice throw led me to the Middle East (including Iraq + Syria).
Travel addiction took hold.
For decades I wandered alone, without any social circle. Never having a house or a car or a permanent job. (But once, I owned a TV.)
However in recent years, I have edged closer to ‘normality’ when I found a lovely wife – in China.
Wei also enjoys a minimalist life of travel.
So, my backpack remains home and the trail continues, together.
During my travels alot of crazy sh*t has happened
– Arrested as ‘a spy’ in Saddam’s Iraq
– Amid a cyclone that devastated Bangladesh
– Drugged, abducted and robbed in Russia
– Partaking in a Voodoo ceremony in Togo
– Hitchhiking across the Sahara
– Surviving a bus accident in Iran
And much more
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