KARACHI, Nov 28: Photographer Syed Javaid A. Kazi has captured a portion of the spirit that pervades Sufi shrines in this part of the subcontinent. Portion, I say, because he has exclusively used the canvas of black and white photography, whereas one of the defining characteristics of most Sufi shrines here is the riot of colours that abound in every corner of these sanctuaries.

That, by no means, is a criticism but an observation as the photographer’s work, currently on display at the foyer of the Goethe-Institut here, contains some stunning pieces through which one is temporarily transported to these mystical abodes, where the line between reality and illusion is emphatically blurred.

The vast majority of the photographs seem like they have been taken at the shrine of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan. Flowing beards – some jet black, others fully grey – shaved heads, matted dreadlocks and glazed eyes look back at you from behind the frames and give the impression of altered states.

Hands are covered in rings encrusted with jewels of different kinds, heavy chains hang around the necks while some feet are shackled.

Some subjects are wearing the sacred Hindu symbol of ‘Om,’ perhaps pointing to the fact that they are sadhus. The Qalandar of Sehwan is equally revered by Muslims and Hindus, as some consider him an avatar of the deity Jhuley Lal.

One can’t say if the aura that emanates from the photographs is spiritual or even serene. There is a definite air of mystery embedded in each stoned gaze, and particularly enigmatic is a woman taking a drag from a hookah. Some look lost – definitely not in this world – at least until they come back down from the high. Others might genuinely be communing with God. It is impossible to say, as matters of the heart remain between the Creator and the created. However, some look back at you in an absolutely evil fashion.

The exhibition, titled ‘Sacred Companions,’ is on till Dec 7 and is being presented in cooperation with the Ethnological Museum, Munich and German scholar on Islam Dr Jurgen Frembgen.