Breaking stereotypes: What you see is a matter of perspective

Dutch photographer brings out the tranquil, everyday life of war-torn Afghanistan

KARACHI: The word 'Afghanistan' evokes images of war, terror and Taliban in many minds. Perhaps this is because of how the internet, newspapers and television have depicted the country. But the exhibition at VM Art Gallery adds to the definition of Afghanistan - there's a lot more to it than we know or see.

Dutch photographer Maarten Roest's photographs are on display at the exhibition. The show encapsulated life on an average day in the war-torn land. From girls studying in a classroom sitting on the floor to the meticulous men working hard with their shovels, the photographer seemed to be focused on portraying Afghanistan as he sees it - hence, the title, 'Afghanistan - Through my eyes only'.

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The exhibition showed a different side of Afghanistan through vibrant photographs of smiling, restful people. PHOTOS COURTESY: VM ART GALLERY

One of the most interesting works was the portrait of a girl, titled 'Faizana'. It depicted a native girl clad in a white chadar. The subject's mouth was set in a curve that reminds you of Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa - it is indecipherable if she is sad or smiling.

Another photo, titled 'Men and Women', shows people walking on a street. Men walk on one side while women walk on the other. Interestingly, it's not just the women who are covered from head to toe but men, too, are draped in excessive clothing. The photograph seems to be a comment on how the burka, which is perceived to be a sign of oppression by many, might only be a necessity in harsh climates.

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'Volleyball' depicted young boys playing the sport just like they would in any other happy country. It seems to show how not all men are into radicalism even in such vulnerable areas. Young men, regardless of the region they belong to, are into sports.

Among other interesting works was one titled 'Hazara smiles', showing a group of Hazara men with smiles spread over their distinguishable faces. It reminds one of the plight of the marginalised race in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. Nonetheless, the smiles are a comforting sight.

The exhibition showed a different side of Afghanistan through vibrant photographs of smiling, restful people. PHOTOS COURTESY: VM ART GALLERY

To sum up, the photographs seem to focus on the little things that happen around in an average day for a common man.

An intriguing feature of Roest's photographs is the selection of background. While his landscape captures such as 'Bamyan fields' and 'Snow in Ishkashim' are beautiful on their own, other photographs whose subjects are not sceneries also have detailed backgrounds. For example, the depth in 'Afternoon in Faizabad' is incredible. There are women walking on a ground with little grass. Ahead of it lie trees, followed by formidable peaks and a cloudy sky. Similarly, 'Hazara smiles' shows a sequence of grass, mountains and sky in the backdrop. In short, there is extensive detail in the photographs.

The show will continue till August 18.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 7^th, 2015.