We often use the term “third eye” to mean an inner vision, or conscience. ThirdEye Photographic Society, which was established in early 2007, aims to realise their inner vision for the improvement of photography in Bangladesh.
It began with a group of young photographers coming together to share their love for the art. Syed Shakhawat Kamal, Md Abdul Khaleque, and Toukir Ullah Khan Eusufzai , intended to improve the scene, by providing young and beginner photographers with the right skills and know-how. While the group was formed in 2007, they launched themselves as a serious platform on August 4, 2012, with a press conference and a website launch. The the group expanded and formed its executive council, comprising ten elected members. Eminent photographers Anwar Hossain and Chanchal Mahmood also agreed to join in an advisory capacity. The following month, the Society had their first exhibition at Drik Gallery, titled “71 Snaps International Photo Exhibition, Season-I” featuring 71 photographers from 15 countries.
The following year, ThirdEye organised “Square 71 Snaps Photo Exhibition Season II” at the Shilpakala Academy, under the theme of “Beautiful Bangladesh”, and dedicated to the prominent writer/photographer/filmmaker Zahir Raihan.
2014 saw ThirdEye officially receiving their registration as a Society; as well as a membership affiliation from the Photographic Society of America. They launched their third season of “71 snaps”, this time with the theme of “Freedom”, and dedicated to Manzoor Alam Beg.
This year, ThirdEye received the prestigious membership into the Fédération Internationale de l'Art Photographique (FIAP). Their annual “71 Snaps” exhibition is to be held at Drik Gallery from December 8-11. The title sponsor for the 2015 edition is East Coast Group, and the theme is open, but with an emphasis on culture and heritage. This year's event is dedicated in loving memory of the late Tareque Masud, prominent filmmaker. The Lifetime Achievement Award from this year goes to Syeda Khanam, a pioneer female photographer. In addition to the usual exhibition, ThirdEye is also organising, for the first time ever, its “National Photography Conference and Workshop” at Alliance Française de Dhaka. The workshop will feature prominent architect/cinematographer Anwar Hossain, renowned photographers Chanchal Mahmood and Rafiqul Islam.
