Abdollah Heidari, a young photographer from Iran, is participating in Chobi Mela VIII, the photography festival currently taking place in the capital. In his very short photographic career, Heidari has caught everyone’s attention with his powerful photo series on burnt school children.
The series has garnered many local and international awards, such as the Unicef Photo of the Year 2014, International Photography Awards 2014 in the US, FIPCOM 2013 in France, and first prize at Sheed Award in 2013 in Iran.
The talented photographer sat down with the Dhaka Tribune to share his inspirations and what motivated him to walk the path of photography.
“I never wanted to just be a photographer,” said Heidari. “I believe it is better to capture images which will also speak out my concerns. I wanted to use the language of photography to raise awareness among the viewers.
“Photography is what I speak through. It is the medium through which I can voice my concerns and raise awareness among people.”
Asked what inspires him, Heidari said: “Human lives and humanity – it is the best treasure for a human being. Human emotions and feelings have profound effect on me.
“I mostly prefer black and white instead of colours to ensure the transparency of my subjects. If I used colours, then the viewers’ attention would be drawn to the colours, not the emotions and feelings of the subject,” he said when asked why his photographs were black and white.
Talking about taking part in Chobi Mela, Heidari said: “The festival is outstanding. The professionalism is top-notch. The organisers have tried to have the best locations and venues to exhibit the photographers’ works.
“This is my first visit to Bangladesh, as well as this side of Asia. It is a wonderful country. If I get opportunities to work here, I would love to visit again,” the photographer said.
Heidari’s work titled “Lost Intimacy” is on display at Britto Arts Trust in Green Road, an extended venue of Chobi Mela VIII.