KARACHI: A four-day photographic exhibition titled Aks-i-Sindh (Image of Sindh, part II) organised by the provincial culture department opened at the Sambara Art Gallery on the premises of Liaquat Memorial Library on Wednesday evening.

There’s a wide variety of images mounted on the walls of the rather large gallery space. They range from black and white to coloured photos and from experimentally touched-up to simple, seemingly unedited pictures. All of them depict the beautiful land of Sindh.

Talking to Dawn, Abdul Aleem Lashari, DG Culture Sindh, said, “This is part II of the series. Before that we had held part I at the same venue. If one examines closely, a photographic show — be it at the government level or done privately — doesn’t get sufficient promotion. These days, anyone with a mobile phone in their hands has become a photographer. Exhibitions of paintings are organised regularly at art galleries all over the country, but there is no platform for photography, especially for our emerging photographers. Bearing that in mind, the culture department thought of putting together a show that could promote the young creative people. Part I of the series had works of more than 100 photographers. This time around, too, there are more than 100 artists whose works are on display.

“While we have focused on the young photographers, the event also features works of seasoned photographers. There are six of them who have obtained PhD degrees.”

On the selection of the images, Mr Lashari said when his team gave an open call for participation some 400 photographers from Sindh sent their works. A jury set up by the department then chose artworks of 100-plus artists.

As far as the theme of the display is concerned, he said, “There are different themes. For example, you’ll see photos of craftsmen, architecture, cultural traditions and agricultural activities etc.”

He also mentioned that one prize will be given by the jury to the best photographer of Aks-i-Sindh, part II.

The opening of the show, curated by Waheeda Baloch, was to be followed by a panel discussion on the past, present and future of photography.

Published in Dawn, June 24th, 2021