Pablo Picasso once asked this very interesting question that “Who sees the human face correctly: the photographer, the mirror, or the painter?” He didn’t give any answer or explanation and I am not sure if there is an answer to this question. Or is there?
I recently found this wonderful work by Maciej Dakowicz, a UK based freelance photographer who spent 4 weeks in April 2006 in Pakistan and instantly fell in love with its people and places. He writes “What a great country to travel, it is a bit like India, but without all the hassle. People are extremely friendly and hospitable and I have never met such people before. They like to talk to you - I had to answer “What’s your name?” and “What is your country?” questions hundreds of times - it is tiring after some time. I was invited for a cup of tea and offered a cold drink lots of time. Once in a restaurant a man I have never seen paid for my meal..”
For ATP readers interest, I am posting four selected photos taken by Maciej Dakowicz. Each one of them tells a story in itself and all you have to do is tell us what is the first thing or thought that comes in your mind when you see the photograph. Should be interesting :)
Click on each image for enlarged view. A version of this post also appeared on Lahore Metblog in December 2006.
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I suppose I’m not qualified to comment on the photos, as I’m not from Pakistan. But it’s great to see different sides of Pakistan that don’t get shown on the news. Thanks for this interesting post!
1.Meditation…Prayer beads..Tasbeeh..Mala
2.Desi Tea House..ladies not allowed..wild wild east.
3.Recession..may be Depression.
4.Madrasa…brain washing..
the old man is probably wondering what he has to do to make his prayers heard. Just about describes the state of 90% population of Pakistan living in poverty and misery.
Nice collection of images.
Here is my take:
1. Giving up
2. Typical pass time (Time is an unlimited resource in Pakistan)
3. Economic reality
4. Substitute education in the absence of opportunities to get proper education.
Actually, the entire society now, in the absence of future, oscillates between the two extremes of 1 and 4. 2 and 3 and intrinsic sufferings.
Time is God’s mercy on mankind - it prevents everything for happening at once… This nation blessed with so much time if only it had proper leadership….
If I really have to make a choice then I think only mirror can show the correct human face. A painter or photographer show it the way they see it. Difficult question though.
I like the fact that someone not from Pakistan is still writing good things about us despite all those bombings and crises after crises situation.
1. Why my prayers are not answered?
2. Road side session of Pakistani Parliment.
3. My life is going to change; I was, am and will be doing the same effort to go through my life.
4. Allah-Hoo Allah Hoo Allah Hoo Allah, Oh Allah give me the knowledge to understand what I am reading.
1. Should I pray (do Tasbeeh) some more or is it enough?
2. Some interesting discussion (political/business) going on towards the left, while the old gentleman is immersed in his own thoughts (worries? Problems?), as if the world around him does not exist or is an abstract part of his though process. Seems he is completely apart from it, very nice picture?, you can see I am impressed. It also reminds me of the last scene of the Godfather III.
3. The glorious achievement (self glorification? ) of the past government or just another shoe repair stall?
4. Hope they have a mullah who is not a lunatic?
1. Should I pray (do Tasbeeh) some more or is it enough?
2. Some interesting discussion (political/business) going on towards the left, while the old gentleman is immersed in his own thoughts (worries? Problems?), as if the world around him does not exist or is an abstract part of his though process. Seems he is completely apart from it, very nice picture?, you can see I am impressed. It also reminds me of the last scene of the Godfather III.
3. The glorious achievement (self glorification? ) of the past government or just another shoe repair stall?
4. Hope they have a mullah who is not a lunatic?