From the eye of a foreigner

Brazilian and Pakistani photographers document each other’s country.


Our Correspondent September 13, 2012

ISLAMABAD:


It has the colours of Brazil mixed with the simplicity of Pakistan.


The photography exhibition titled “Brazil-Pakistan-The view of the other”, that went on display at the Brazilian Embassy on Wednesday, resonates with the viewer on more accounts than one.

In an experiment of sorts, photographers Almir Reis from Brazil and Zulfiqar Ali from Pakistan travelled to the countries of each other’s origin to capture the respective cultures through the lens of their cameras. The result is both eye-catching and revealing.

Set in large frames which make it easy for the viewer to see each detail, pictures of Brazil have been taken in black and white, while snaps from Pakistan have been displayed in colour.

Brazil known for its happy-go-lucky people and colourful festivals and expansive beaches is toned down in black and white, although the content itself is extremely lively. People can seen celebrating on the streets, couples laughing, smiling and dancing together, bikini-clad young women generally having a good time and giving off an easygoing vibe.

The coloured pictures of Pakistan seem like a huge contrast. Children are selling packets of crisps to make a living, three men on a motorcycle during rush hour, all serious, staring suspiciously into the camera wondering why their picture was being taken.

But with all the hardships the country is currently facing, the pictures capture the highs and lows in the lives of its people.

Perhaps, the most interesting juxtaposition is the solo picture of a young girl from each country that are displayed in a sequence.

The coloured picture of the young Pakistani girl with a duppatta around her head, her seriousness reflecting in her shining dark eyes, while the Brazillian girl seems to be caught off-guard but is smiling at the camera.

While the exhibition lasts till September 16, selected prints of the pictures signed by the photographers will be available for sale at Khaas Art Gallery

Published in The Express Tribune, September 13th, 2012.

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