Sami ur Rahman
PHOTOGRAPHY
Governor's House - Lahore
A remarkable book that is based on original research and authentic information. The text is accompanied by a superb collection of original photographs, showcasing one of the most intriguing historic landmarks of Pakistan.
The book traces the history of the heritage building against the backdrop of shifting sands of great empires and changing political scenario in the subcontinent. Specially prepared drawings based on historical research and field studies trace the evolution and stages of development and transformation of the building from a Mughal sepulcher to the symbol of the Raj.
For the first time a large number of scintillating photographs present the internal splendor of the great mansion charged with history and historical events, that only a select few have been privileged to experience and enjoy.
It also lays down the working of the Governor and his establishment as representative of the Federation of Pakistan, and includes the steps taken for the expansion of infrastructure, service facilities, introduction of rare flora and fauna and general improvement of the estate undertaken since Independence of Pakistan in 1947.
Governor's House - Quetta
The book presents the landmark building within the historical context of Balochistan, located in close proximity to the two great ancient empires of Persia and ancient India. It records the exploits of adventurers and conquerors from antiquity to the Sultanate and Mughal Periods, the tribulations inflicted by the Anglo-Afghan wars, the British stratagem for control over Balochistan tribes, culminating in Balochistan’s accession to Pakistan. It also highlights the cultural significance of the province – the ancient site of Mehergarh, the great tribes that inhabited it and its spectacular natural heritage.
This volume records the rise of Quetta – the original Shalkot – as a significant military cantonment and a major hub of railways for effective enactment of the ‘Great Game’ by the British. The narrative includes the destruction caused in the “pretty capital” by the devastating earthquake of 1935, and its development among the most vital and thriving cities of Pakistan.
The focus of the book is the great house and its journey from an impressive British residency built for the highest British official controlling the province, to an imposing new government house that rose after the earthquake. It describes in detail today’s Governor’s House as a symbol of the Federation of Pakistan.
Pakistan Railways
The book chronicles the history of Pakistan Railways over the last 150 years – its inception in the subcontinent, as well as the laying of the first tracks in Pakistan. It traces the development of railways and the trade and military compulsions of the colonial power, the growing arteries of tracks from port cities, extending inwards to cotton and wheat growing districts, while linking military cantonments to strategic borders of the empire.
The effect of the First War of Independence (1857) and the Great Game among rival European powers, the consequence of the change of guards at Whitehall in London and policy changes during the two World Wars are all succinctly described, along with the impact of the nationalist movements, the railways’ heroic feats during partition (1947) and the seminal role Pakistan Railways has played in the country’s development.
The book showcases the spectacular bridges spanning mighty rivers across the country, extended tunnels burrowing deep into the colossal mountains of the Khyber and the Bolan, and the architectural odyssey of railway stations – citadel-like and defensive in character, others picturesque and eclectic, and still others employing historical and traditional architectural elements.
A large number of brilliant photographs present the many faces of Pakistan Railways – people behind the functioning of the railways as well as passengers using the trains, railway platforms and engines, bogeys and carriages – each image portraying the many facets of this splendid institution
Punjab Police
The research-based book, titled ‘Punjab Police,’ takes us on an odyssey of progress, events and instances that shaped the ethos of Punjab Police, ground realities that defined the character of the brave men fighting it out on the streets in the line of duty. Narrating the magnificent history of the origin of Punjab Police, sharing the journey from the times of the British-Raj and through the various socio-political eras, the author has cited historical developments that had a profound impact on the Punjab Police.
Exhibiting the heroism of Police force in the mighty province of Punjab, the book is a memoir of the glorious history of the security force. It illustrates the challenging present while hinting at a promising future of the force. Introducing the readers to eminent police officers from the times of the British-Raj, the early years of the newly born homeland for the Muslims, and the present-day Pakistan, ‘Punjab Police’ gives a detailed account of the dangers and life-threating experiences encountered in the line of duty.
It presents a detailed insight on police reforms and commissions that added to the success of the force, also in process frankly admitting its shortcomings. Accentuated with images, the book also serves as a pictorial guide to police headquarters and its departments across the districts of Punjab.
Most importantly ‘Punjab Police’ celebrates the women in Punjab Police and proudly shares the success of ICT interventions to enhance performance delivery and regulate law and order across the province.
Multan - The Spiritual Legacy
The history of Multan dates back over 2400 years beginning from the conquest of Alexander, through the Hindu period as one of its most revered sites and finally after the Muslim conquest as a strategic town and as a center of trade and missionary activities of Muslim scholars and saints who began to visit and settle in Multan. They became very popular with the local Hindu and Muslim population and consequently Multan became the center of scholarship for the Sufi saints of the region to preach and spread Islam. Today the city is known as the ‘City of Saints’ due to the large numbers of saints who settled, preached and died in the city.
The book is an attempt to provide a brief history of Multan and its built heritage. For the first time detailed architectural documentation of shrines, tombs, mosques, temples and other historic monuments has been undertaken and presented with a brief history and information about the monument and the persons associated with it. It draws attention to the rich built heritage of Multan and the current condition of each monument which in most cases are in a precarious condition of conservation.
The book will be of interest to people for its history, architecture and conservation and will help in understanding the rich culture, crafts and building technology and generate adequate interest for action to preserve the heritage of Multan.
Sami ur Rahman is one of Pakistan’s eminent photographers. Like most artists of substance, he learnt his craft not in a dark studio but as he trod along the dusty paths and rocky climbs of life. He has both aesthetically and objectively captured the demeanor of his friends and strangers with care, observed faces and recorded how some have blossomed and others aged, calloused or ravaged by time. Sami’s canvas is vast. He has recorded common subjects that induce pensive thoughts, ‘frozen in time’ solemn prospects that stir our deepest feelings and poetic imagination. His works draw attention to the everyday drama of common occurrences that underlines man’s heroic existence and lends essential meaning to his life.
The sense of wonder and beauty that is aroused when Sami is in close proximity to nature but he is at best while dealing with more subtle nuances of tones. One single factor that enhances the aesthetic impact of Sami’s works is his immaculate sense of design. Design/ composition as a framework through which the substance itself is conceptualized are an integral part of Sami’s process of perceiving a subject. The collection has 140 photographs with an absorbing text.
(Mian Ijazul Hasan – Painter, Art Critic)
“You don’t make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.” This beautiful depiction of art of photography by Ansel Adams portrays the true spirit behind the Yearbook 2015.
The Yearbook 2015 is unique in the sense that it is a pioneer project which portrays the efforts of a large number of talented photographers in a beautiful package. It is the first step, and we are sure that many more will follow. Photographic Art Society of Pakistan endeavors to promote, not only the art of photography, but to also contribute towards portraying the real, rich depiction of our cultural heritage to the world.
The galaxy of images showcases the work of more than 100 photographers who appear at the zenith of their vision, creativity and skills. These artists, mostly young talented photographers, have successfully raised the level of achievements in photography through these beautiful images.
This beautiful compilation also includes the work of some legendary master photographers, who have not only represented Pakistan in international events, but their work also serves as inspiration for the next generation of Pakistani artists.
The world, as we see it, is in colour, and the spectrum of colours is endless.
While the Monochrome images lack the attraction of the visible spectrum, their true worth comes from their ability to communicate rather than just being the attractive visual presentation. Our attention thus gets focused on composition, lighting, tonal variations, perspective and its context.
Perception and appreciation of visual arts in monochrome is not easy. It requires strong visualization and active imagination. It involves vast imagination and the potential of appreciation an image’s shape, hues, texture and tones. Not all monochrome images are great. Their success is dependent upon a myriad of factors, but primarily it is the main theme of the image. Capturing and appreciating monochrome images is an acquired, yet pleasing, art form.
During the earliest days of photography, there was no choice but to shoot in black and white that being the only available medium. Later on, even when colour photography made its gradual inroads into this art, the pioneer form did not become extinct.
It is a distinct form of art, and as per the belief of many experts, it is the purist form
of photography. They believe that colours are a distraction.
A book of 110 selected images from a retired Police Officer’s photographic odyssey spanning over thirty years. The photographs are accompanied by an autobiographical text and a brief marginal narrative with images shot since 1985. A late bloomer Sami, is a self-taught photo-artist who learnt his craft dividing time between personal commitments and official obligations.
The canvas of Sami’s art is wide-ranging. His striking pictorial images portray different times, moods, emotions, seasons and colours. The diverse subjects he chooses to shoot are not pre-conceived. He goes out and clicks the shutter only when something pleases his eye, heart and mind. What he has tried to explore through his images is the creative and aesthetic perspective of our everyday life. Having lived part of his childhood in a village, he holds special affinity for it which explains several rural and cultural life images in the book.
The collection highlights the photo-artist’s keenness of ‘discovering something interesting from an ordinary place’ along with the attention paid to light & shade detail while recording diverse subjects. One single factor that enhances the creative impact of Sami’s work is his immaculate sense of design and composition – most often achieved by the simplicity of expression and uncomplicated framework through which the image is conceptualized.
