Photo exhibit: Seizing wilderness from behind the lens

44 shots by Javaid Khan showcased at Gallery Louvre.

ISLAMABAD:

Capturing the harmony among objects of nature, an exhibition of photographs by Javaid Khan opened at the Gallery Louvre here on Wednesday. Titled “Eternal Rhythm” the collection showcases 44 photographs.

Khan grew up around Murree and his work is a testament to the fascination with the picturesque sights he saw there. “I used to press flowers into books as a hobby for as long as I can remember and [am still] a tree hugger,” he shared with The Express Tribune.

Raised in a family of photographers, he has followed in the footsteps of his father and brother. Throughout his career, his focus and inspiration have always been nature. The collection on display features flowers at his own house besides scenes from a city. “I used to travel constantly but with age, that’s not very viable so I experiment close to home,” he said.

Quite interestingly, Khan refuses to employ digital media to enhance his pictures. “There has been absolutely no digital manipulation, I’m from the generation of old school photographers,” he said.

Khan has employed glass, ice, water and food colouring to create a translucent, surreal effect. “I place the flowers under glass, sometimes adding more glass layers and spraying water or food colouring,” he said with a laugh.

His attention to detail can be seen in snapshots of Bugan villas, jasmines, pansies, and plain leaves. The end results depict the beauty of nature, which might go unnoticed otherwise. With hues of purple, blue, yellow and red, one can even notice the delicate veins of the flower making an intricate web across the petals. With an average sale price of Rs12,000, the pictures are an effective way to liven up any space. The exhibition will continue till May 15.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 3^rd, 2012.