Thursday, February 16, 2012

Solo photography exhibition amuses art lovers

Photographs on display at Nomad Art Gallery on Wednesday

ISLAMABAD, Feb 15: Ordinary people and places have always been extraordinary for Abrar Cheema. Rural areas that reveal purity of nature and culture have lured this photographer to capture the beautiful moments.
These immortal moments did not fall short of amusing the visitors who came to his new exhibition that opened in federal capital at Nomad Art Gallery Wednesday evening. Over two dozen coloured and infrared photographs proved to be a visually
attractive treat in the form of solo exhibition for the art lovers.
From 360 degrees by 180 degree panoramic shots to almost painterly effects and action, the photographs explore the land. His love for photography and love for his land is reflected in not just the images but also the titles – “People of My Land”, “Festivity of My Land” and “History of My Land” to mention some.
Abrar Cheema did his Masters in Fine Arts from Punjab University in painting. He found the subject tiring, stagnant and restricted. “I found the freedom in photography. This passion picked up momentum because I was inspired by the beauty,
colours and fascinating culture of Pakistan and I started capturing my inspirations”, said the photographer who recalled using cameras since childhood days.
He uses top of the range Canon but Nikon is a closer friend. Captured from prime and powerful zoom lenses Abrar Cheema has preserved horse riders’ tent pegging, cattle races, men and women in fields, conserved ancient architectures , Katas Fort, Shahi Mosque and Hiran Minar all in infra red, and coloured impressions of the Lahore Fort and Wazir Khan mosque in Lahore.
His photographs have not just been hung in famous buildings in the country but have also been selected for National Geographics.
“Every shot has a meaning, sensation, feeling and significance”, said PhD scholar and Chairman Department Fine Arts GC University, Lahore Irfanullah Babar. Another admirer described his works as carriers of “certain novelty and originality”.
“Pakistan is a vast subject that will keep the camera going as it captures snow-capped mountains, valleys, rivers and history”, said Abrar Cheema who is particularly passionate about photographing cultural sports tent pegging and bull racing and the colours of the gear of their riders.
He is also impressed the way young generation has picked up photography. “They are learning the equipment on the internet.
But my advise would be to concentrate on good composition because a good composition is like the rhythm or the Taal and photographers cannot go wrong with that”, he advised. The exhibition will run at the gallery till February 28.

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