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Framing Bangladesh through the lens
The exhibition entitled Bangladesh in Frames 6 became a site of novel transmission by the group that goes by the name of Through the Lens: Bangladesh (TTL). In the 6th edition, the group managed to bring under one roof a selection of divergent photographic languages, to reinforce their claim as one of the foremost aficionados of novel expressions.
The works exhibited are submissions from one hundred members, who are active participants in TTL's regular 'Photo Adda', workshops and training sessions. Together, they import into the exhibition site the zeal for professionalism and individual cadence – the tendencies that have redefined the photographic scene in Bangladesh and also catapulted some of the homegrown talent into the global mainstream.
The group mutated into the current platform following the formation of an online photographers' community in 2007. The current exhibition, which ran its course between March 21 and 25, at Drik, can be seen as a testing ground for young and striving talents.
TTL is also responsible for the annual contest Out of the BOX, an event that has come to the attention of the gallery goers for its successful mobilization of quality projects and outstanding standalone photographic pieces. In addition to their curatorial efforts, TTL conducts monthly 'Safari' and 'Photo walk' where a group of photographers travel around the country to capture in frames the exclusive moments the journey occasions.
The curator and editor of the current exhibition Amirul Rajiv is emphatic about the 'difference' the organization brings into play when exhibiting photographic innovations. He points out that TTL promotes works by people who have the capacity to think beyond the conventions and come up with exclusive ideas and new experiences.
Bangladesh in Frames is an annual photography exhibition which its organizers wish to continue, and at its 6th edition, the curatorial note throws into focus the idea of 'visuals and social activism', though the exhibits themselves speak of the multifarious engagement of the photographers with their own medium as well as the social context.
The event usually turns into a festival when the gallery space is transformed into a celebration of young talents. Rajiv feels that TTL is young but it is an organization on the move – the members are rising fast as independent photographers, making their individual marks in the genres they prefer to explore. 'They already displayed their strength on several occasions. TTL promises to take the challenge of the constant change in photography and ensure freedom.'
In its sixth iteration, one hundred photographers zeroed in on 'Bangladesh', looking at the idea and reality of Bangladesh from multifold different perspectives. Saud L Faisal, TTL's administrator, adds, 'The legacy of previous exhibitions and the standards set before is a constant source of inspiration to all participants. Hopefully, BIF6 will also be a successful endeavour like past years.'
- DEPART DESK