Photos: Darshan Chakma

The title, “Chobi Mela”, can be translated to English as “a festival of images”. Festival or not, it is the single largest photography event in Asia and has been since its inception in 2000. This year, Chobi Mela VIII celebrates the theme “Intimacy” at exhibitions in 12 venues across Dhaka.

The festival continues to inspire the young, aspiring photographer in all of us. The curators have wisely chosen 31 artists from 22 participating countries for this edition. Five Bangladeshis – Anwar Hossain, Tapash Paul, Hadi Uddin, Jannatul Mawa and Tushikur Rahman – are among the 31, with their best works up for show.
An ardent photography enthusiast myself, I would disagree however, in calling them “exhibitions”. Chobi Mela is nothing short of an experience. And an amazing one at that.

Bangladesh has seen a positive growth and rapid developments in the field of photography over the past few years. Access to internet, infrastructure, media and a certain level of cultural renaissance has presented us with realistic approaches to pursue fields such as photography on a more serious (read, professional) level. There are institutes teaching the subject academically, student run clubs to nourish the popular hobby and numerous independent groups which use photography as a tool to earn living or just as a network to share the passion.
So where does an event like Chobi Mela fall into place? I believe the answer to that question is simple to see, yet complex in comprehension. Photographs, at times, can simply be labelled as stories in pictures. These stories are no more than experiences – of the photographer or of the subject being photographed. Experiences are what we pick our lessons from. These very lessons, or teachings, are what inspire us in life. It's like a good chain reaction.

Tanzim Wahab is one of the curators of Chobi Mela VIII. “The Subcontinent is going through a strong art movement where photography is playing the key role to invite other mediums and produce a unique body of works. Chobi Mela invited an architect and a sculptor to curate – along with young photographers, created alternative spaces within very usual venues, inspired dialogue between the city and art and included a diverse range of photography starting from conceptual to documentary, old family albums to photojournalism. It is an extraordinary transition of photography and the Bangladeshi youth must celebrate this positive image of the nation,” he said.

So, if you like photography but are in need of that special spark – visiting Chobi Mela would be more than a step forward. Many of us who start out with just only a camera do not realise that an integral part of the learning curve in photography consists of time spent observing photographs.

“I got an invaluable peek into each artist's lives. My eyes opened up to whole new styles of photography. Each venue was like a world of its own, really. I experienced our history at Anwar Hossain's 'Retrospective', the many dimensions of love at Max Pincker's exhibition, cruelty of rebellion and war by Philip Blenkinsop at Pathshala and the depths of the relationship between two ordinary people through Sean Lee's eyes. Even though I do not fully understand the style of Cristina Nuñez, self-portraits of her transformation over the decades blew me away. The whole thing was magic,” expressed Sama Ahmed, a student and photography enthusiast.

For your edification, here are some very basic know-hows in a nutshell if you're willing to nurture your photography interests.

Start out small. Take your camera and go places. Also, know your camera kit inside and out – it always helps to stay updated. Read about photography. There are books and a lot of material on the internet. Try different methods and study them. If you happen to create your own style – keep it, follow it, and develop it. Focus more on the passion than the profession. Be inspired, and fall in love.

“The photos, selection of venues, venue design and keeping the raw feel of the environment – everything about Chobi Mela VIII has a lot to inspire young photographers. Such an event should now expand to other cities and towns where there are budding photographers and local heritage to witness. The photos on exhibit were a mix of different styles and methods of photography,” said Darpan Chakma, who started photography as a hobby. He believes “having no rule is the best rule” so as to keep exploring and bringing out one's creativity.

Chobi Mela VIII ends today. It's a great opportunity to revel in some of the most amazing photographs in the world, even better with friends and family. So head out to one of the many venues and let your heart and eyes learn a unique way of capturing unforgettable moments.

For more information, visit www.chobimela.org