A Lifeline Spread Long: Capturing cultural diversity, beauty of rural life through the lens

Art exhibition showcases hidden beauty

ISLAMABAD: An exhibition of photographs showcasing the unsung heroes of the country, is going on at Satrang Gallery.

The exhibition “A Lifeline Spread Long” opened for public on Tuesday and will continue until September 15.

“Photography has been  my lifelong passion”, photojournalist Mobeen Ansari says.

“Ever since I picked up a camera more than 15 years ago I have always strived to understand people through this medium,” he says.

He claims his disability was his main source of inspiration.

“Losing my hearing at a young age was a blessing as it allowed me to be more visual and understand people and even places in silence”.

The photographer says that rural life has always fascinated and exploring the country has captivated him.

“This curiosity made me travel the entire country and touch uncharted places.  Over the years I have covered more and more of such places and discovered beautiful cultures,” he added.

The photojournalist and sculptor based in the capital city, who was a student of National College of Arts, Rawalpindi, explicated that he wanted to- uncloak the hidden beauty of the country.

Shedding light on his photograph of ‘Bibi Kai’, which he took in 2012, he said that she is a well-known face in the Kalash valley.

“Many international photographers have captured her hypnotic eyes and wrinkled face, I took the photographs to the locals and they pointed me to her and there she was; ready to be photographed”, he said.

Ansari said that it is imperative that we cherish the faces that have brought us international recognition- which he says is the underlying theme of the exhibition.

Asma Khan, director of Satrang Gallery, said that Ansari’s photographs are a virtual treat while celebrating beauty and authenticity of the unsung heroes of Pakistan, in the country’s diverse landscape and culture.

Moreover, as well as photography he has directed and produced a silent film titled ‘Hellhole’, which was based on the trials and tribulations of conservancy workers, commonly known as gutter cleaners.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 1^st, 2016.