The world through young eyes

Shoman Shoman by Neepa Akhter

At the Drik Gallery in Dhanmondi, a photography exhibition titled Amader Bhasha highlights photographs by youngsters. The exhibition was inaugurated by veteran photographer Sayeeda Khanam on June 6.

Prior to the exhibition, a four-day workshop on photo-journalism was conducted by Pathshala, South Asian Institute of Photography last April. The workshop received cooperation from Save the Children USA and Save the Children Australia. Twenty four enthusiastic youngsters from Brahmanbaria, Tangail, Rajbari, Chittagong and Cox's Bazar participated in the workshop. The exhibition at Drik Gallery features photographs taken by the young ones during and after the workshop.

Some images may not be 'extraordinary' as far as composition, light and other aspects are concerned while some do look remarkable and stand out but one thing is certain: none of the photographs lack spirit. Each image shows limitless possibilities and potential. Some capture moments of unadulterated fun and frolic while some bring to light the "not so attractive" aspects of our society.

The youngest of the participants, 10-year old Mohammad Raisul Islam, says, "Several of the photographs we shot may not be all that great but all of us (participants) feel strongly about photography. If we are provided with training and equipment, we can work wonders. The workshop was really helpful. We were taught the basics of photography."

Janjot Kom (No Traffic), a photograph by Laizu Akhter, shows an unfamiliar image in Dhaka, as the title suggests. A woman covered in a chador and a boy on the sidewalk are seen; both are facing the other way. The vacant street looks surprisingly clean. The magenta bougainvilleas match the colour of the woman's chador.

Jeleni (Fisherwoman) by Manju Ara Khanam is interesting. The photographer has captured the motion of the subject who is casting a net at a pond.

Shoman Shoman (Equality), two images with the same title, by Neepa Akhter feature Adivasi women picking leaves and a differently-abled child going to school. The latter makes a powerful statement with a close shot of a young one on crutches, geared up in school uniform.

Pakhi Akhter's Kaaj-er Chaap (Workload) features two young women, working as household help, washing clothes. Pakhi has shot the image from an interesting angle, behind a heap of laundry waiting to be washed.

When asked about what they want to be when they grow up, more or less all the young photographers replied that they want to be photo-journalists. Going by the images, that does not appear to be a far-fetched ambition.