Asia’s largest International Photography Exhibition kicks off
Nadia Sarwat
The inaugural ceremony of the international photography exhibition, Chobi Mela V, attracted a huge turnout. “I am immensely pleased to witness such an enthusiastic response. It’s been a long and hard struggle to get people interested in photography in our country. Today’s crowd indicates how far we’ve come,” said the festival director Shahidul Alam.
The guest of honour at the event, Magsayasay Award winning writer and activist Mahasweta Devi was also full of praise for the festival, which she described as a magnificent event. Emphasising the role of cultural activists in bringing about a transformation of society, she said, ” We live in an age when people are uniting, protesting all over the world against injustice and are in search of freedom. This freedom does not solely embrace the political sphere but also a more significant facet– cultural freedom.” Later, Mahasweta Devi also inaugurated the exhibition titled ” A long walk to freedom” a photography exhibition on the life of Nelson Mandela at the National Museum. ‘Freedom’ is the theme of this year’s festival.
Among the guest speakers were Marcelo Brodsky, from Argentina; Yasmine Eid-Sabbagh from Lebanon; Andrew Eisebo from Nigeria; David Campbell from Australia and Kunda Dixit from Nepal. The speakers shared their experiences and world views on photography as a universal language to bring about positive changes in the world.
This year’s Life Time Achievement Award was given to the Doyen of Mozambique photography, Ricardo Rangel (b.1924). Rangel’s work testifies to his great identification with the people of Mozambique. On behalf of the seasoned photographer, Andrew Eisebo received the award from the guest of honour. However, in a recorded telephonic message that was played at the event, Rangel expressed his gratitude for the honour that was bestowed on him.
Prior to the inaugural ceremony, a vibrant rally was brought out from the National Museum premises with a large number of young and veteran photographers. There was also a significant assemblage of visitors from all over the world. Another attraction of the evening was a live videoconference with the great American linguist, philosopher and activist Noam Chomsky, held at the Goethe Institute auditorium following the inauguration.
Asia’s largest photography exhibition, Chobi Mela V includes 62 print exhibitions from 33 countries, held at 11 venues in the city till January 20, featuring works of renowned artistes from all over the world. Digital exhibitions, lectures, discussions, films and multimedia presentations are also being held from January 31 to February 5 at the Goethe Institute.
The key organisers of the event are Drik Picture Library Ltd and Pathshala, the South Asian Institute of Photography. The patron of Chobi Mela V is Stiching Doen. The Royal Norwegian Embassy, Goethe Institute, British Council, Alliance Francaise de Dacca, Canon, Prince Claus Fund are the partners. The media partners include The Daily Star, Prothom Alo, BDnews24.com, Ice Today, abc Radio, Channel i and Ujala TV. Venues are provided by Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts.
Courtesy: thedailystar.net
