Paris in Pellicle

Photos: Kazi Tahsin Agaz Apurbo

From January 22, La Galerie of Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) has been exhibiting prominent photographer/ cinematographer Anwar Hossain's solo work on his life in Paris. Exhibition titled "French Diaries: 25 Years, 25 Images" showcases 25 out of hundreds of pictures he took throughout his time in Paris. Considered as one of the pioneers of Bangladeshi photography, fans and well wishers around the city came to see the astonishing pictures hanged in the gallery. Dr Pierre Claquin, photographer and public health consultant, Dilip Das Gupta, Chevalier, Sr. General Manager, Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC and eminent photographer Nasir Ali Mamun were among the eminent guests at the opening ceremony on January 22.

Living in self exile in Paris for the last 25 years, Anwar gradually fell in love with the vibe that the city, as well as its people represented. "Paris to me is total creative independence," says Anwar. "Being a humanist, I always search for the human essence in everything and I can safely say that France is full of that element." During his on and off trip to France, Anwar impulsively captured moments, places and people across the country.

Throughout his 25 years Anwar Hossain impulsively captured moments, monuments and mostly people across France. The photos also include Bengali migrants and Muslim disciple's life. "When I was there in 1993, there were only 500 Bangladeshis on record living in France. The head count is now in the millions," says Anwar. Though the pictures were taken randomly, Anwar Hossain was able to capture the cultural and economical development of France's Bangladeshi migrants. Some of the pictures can also serve as historical documents such as the picture of Bangladeshis in a rally on February 21 at Trocadero, Paris.

The pictures also portray Anwar Hossain's own moments including his relationship with his children. "My two children are my main source of inspiration. Some of the photographs I think portray how obsessed I am with them."The picture of his hand over his son's hand not only reflects his fondness for his descendents but also cites his ability to portray art in such simple and innocent form.
In his time in France, Anwar Hossain was able to come in touch with renowned artists. The list includes famous photographer Cartier Bresson, Willy Ronis and Sebastiao Salgado. "Cartier and I used to spend hours and hours talking about philosophy and social issues. It was funny how we never really talked about photography," says Anwar.  "As my inspiration kept jumping around these individuals, my photography transformed from pellicle to digital."

Throughout his life time Anwar Hossain has achieved numerous awards for his photography and cinematography. His exhibitions have always been somewhat of an attraction to photography and art enthusiasts.  His life now shifts on and off from Paris to Shariatpur. Though he is spontaneous about the talented photographers in the country, Anwar Hossain concerns himself how the art form is being developed. "As long as we don't have artistic freedom or the support from the authorities we might never properly showcase our art properly." He also adds, "We still cater to the west and as a result we are gradually losing our own style. The day we stop sending our pictures to foreign agencies is the day Bangladeshi photography will truly develop."

Anwar Hossain's exhibition will be open till January 30. To all the photography enthusiasts, this is one of the best possible ways to see Anwar Hossain's perspective on life and culture of the city of love.