Anwar Hossain, a much lauded photographer of the country, is back with yet another set of his artistic work - an accumulated story of 25 years he spent in Paris, France, all illustrated in a photographic biography.
The veteran artist inaugurated his exhibition titled French Diaries: 25 Years, 25 Images at the La Galerie of Alliance Française de Dhaka on Friday in the presence of distinguished personalities in the field of photography.
Anwar was living in self exile in Paris for the last 25 years and is in love with the vibe that the city, as well as its people has to offer. “I had been in search of humanity and that Bengali essence throughout my stay in France,” says Anwar.
In 1993, when Anwar went to France, only around 5,000 Bangladeshi people were living there, whereas now the number stands at more than one lac, the artist claimed. During his stay, Anwar spontaneously captured places, people and moments across the country.
Most of the photos displayed in the exhibition were taken randomly at different corners of Paris while a few of them are more composed shots. One can get a glimpse of France’s economy, etiquette and interpersonal relationships in some of these photos. The set of photos also includes the activities of Muslim devotees and migrant Bangladeshis there. It caters to an impassioned kiss shared by a couple, a common scene on the streets of Paris. Besides such random shots there are photos that can serve as historical documents, for example the picture of Bangladeshis in a rally on February 21 at Trocadero, Paris.
“The inspiration for a photographer comes very instantly. In these 25 years I have taken shots of things that interested me. From many in my stock of photos, I have selected only 25 for the exhibition,” the photographer shares with Showtime.
The exhibition will continue till Saturday, January 30. Visiting hours are Monday to Thursday from 3pm to 9pm, and on Friday and Saturday 9am to 12pm and 5pm to 8pm.
Dr Pierre Claquin, photographer and public health consultant graced the inauguration ceremony as the chief guest. Eminent photographer Nasir Ali Mamun accompanied the artist as the special guest.
