A talk with Nasir Ali Mamun
By Bipul K Debnath
Nasir Ali Mamun, 63, is an award-winning portrait photographer, who is considered a pioneer in his field in this country. In his photography career, he has captured photographs of many nationally and internationally known celebrities and creative persons from diverse backgrounds. Mamun recently received a lifetime achievement award at the ninth edition of the international photography festival, Chobi Mela, where he is also showcasing some of his best works at a solo exhibition. Mamuns passion for capturing pictures started in his early days. Now, he wants to open a photo museum and continue photography for the rest of his life. The Weekend Independent talked to him recently about his work and achievements.
First of all, what is your feeling on receiving the lifetime achievement award?
Though I have been awarded before, this award is different and important to me because it is an international award, given by Drik Gallery and Pathshala. International photographers, curators, art critics and art historians are gathered here to see my photographs, which is an additional achievement for me. I believe that receiving this award before a grand gathering is a great honour, and also recognition for my portrait photography. So, I am very happy with the award.
Please tell us about your solo exhibition.
The title of my solo exhibition in the 9th Chobi Mela is Camerar Kobi (Poet with the Camera): Photographs from 1972-1982. Some selective and representative photos are on show at the exhibition in Shilpakala Academy. I took those photos during the 1970s.
How did you get involved in photography?
From my childhood, I had the curiosity to know about the private lives of celebrities and creative personalities. When we see them, we find them well made up. But what is the picture of their real life? One of my photos is of poet Shamsur Rahman where you can see him wearing a torn T-shirt and broken spectacles. Like that picture, I captured the portraits of those who are icons, like Muhammad Yunus, SM Sultan, Zainul Abedin and others.
Please tell us about your journey as a photographer.
In the very beginning of my career, I did not have a personal camera. It was really difficult for me to buy a camera. Nobody knew me then. Later on, through my own effort, I started portrait photography in 1972. Before that, portrait photography was not so common, especially for those who are famous in their respective fields. I saw that most photographers at the time gave importance to taking photos of nature or cityscapes, instead of people. So I took on a different subject, which was portrait photography. Mainly, I started to do celebrity portraits. I have passed 45 years doing it, despite facing various barriers, hassle and financial problems.
How important is institutional training for a photographer?
You see, I do not have any institutional training for portrait photography. I am self-made, self-trained and above all, self-imposed regarding my assignments. Nobody guided me or told me what to do. One must have passion, dedication and of course, be true to life to be a photographer.
Do you have any advice for young photographers who want to do portrait photography?
Do not listen to anyones suggestions _ is my advice for those who want to do portrait photography. Now, you can easily see the works of notable photographers and view collections of museums worldwide using your gadgets like smart phone, laptop or other such devices. If you have any questions, the internet will give you detailed information. So, you no longer need any guides. Do not go after a mentor, the internet is your guru.
Why are you called Father of portrait photography in Bangladesh?
It is said because I started portrait photography for the first time in Bangladesh. A book named 150 years of Photography from India, Pakistan Bangladesh was published, both in English and German, from London highlighting the photography of South Asia. In the biography part of the book, photojournalist Shahidul Alam wrote, Nasir Ali Mamun, Father of portrait photography from Bangladesh at the start of his article. It was recognition for me.
Why is it important to establish a photo museum in our country?
It is urgent to set up a photo museum in our country, and I think it is needed as soon as possible. There are many countries in the world that have a good number of photo museums, we do not have one. I hope our government will realise the importance of setting up a photo museum in our country.
Tell us about your planned museum.
I have a plan to establish a photo museum, which I will call Photoseum. It will be a combination of photography and museum. But I have not given it a final shape yet. I hope that culturally minded people will come forward to support me with the Photoseum.
Lastly, what is your plan to celebrate your 64th birthday on July 1?
Everyday is special to me. So, I will celebrate the day as usual.
Photos: Courtesy
