NSTP LENSMEN ‘PAY TRIBUTE TO LIFE’
Showcase of memorable, never-before-seen pictures from archive
THE latest exhibition by Galeri Prima here brings together the crème de la crème artwork of the New Straits Times Press (NSTP) Photo Department to the public.
The inaugural photo exhibition features collections of memorable moments in history, as well as some never-before-seen collections from NSTP cameramen.
The “Tribute to Life” exhibition showcases about 80 images from more than 40 NSTP photographers, as well as poignant photos from the company’s archive.
Among photographs that will stir emotions are collections of the 2014 Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 and MH17 tragedies, as well as the 2013 Lahad Datu intrusion.
Following the theme of “Be Loved”, or “Alami Belas” at the recent KL Biennale 2017, the exhibited artwork is categorised into five styles of belas or love — Love for Nature (Belas Alam), Love of Heritage (Belas Warisan), Love for Humanity (Belas Insan), Love for Animals (Belas Haiwan) and Love for Legendary Icons (Belasungkawa).
Photographer Datu Ruslan Sulai said the opportunity to exhibit his work was an honour and he hoped this would be a start of greater endeavours by NSTP.
“All the exhibited photos are taken by professionals and are top-notch snaps.
“But, without a proper platform, we photographers can’t showcase our works.
“The effort taken by Galeri Prima shows that our works are appreciated and hopefully, this will not stop here.
“This exhibition should be taken to the international arena to show off the talent of our Malaysian press photographers,” said the former NSTP photographer with the New Straits Times.
Self-taught lensman Aizuddin Saad, 33, who quit his full-time job as a graphic designer to pursue his passion in photography, had a few of his personal collections featured in the exhibition.
“Among my works on display, my favourite is the one captured in Uttar Pradesh, India.
“The scene was single mothers celebrating the Holi festival.
“This is one of the photos that I took during my travels there and it is memorable as the trip to capture the moment was challenging and to see the outcome was heartwarming,” said the photographer who has been working with NSTP since 2009.
“I was surprised to find out about the exhibition and I feel truly appreciated.
“This lifts our spirits and makes us strive harder in our work,” he said.
Aizuddin said the most important factor in photography was passion and to live by the maxim that photography was a ticket to go round the world.
“It makes us appreciate nature, people and everything else. To be able to capture a particular moment, be it one’s problem or happiness, is priceless,” he said.
The Tribute to Life exhibition is open to the public from now until March 9, from 10am to 6pm on weekdays.
It is also open on weekends, but only by appointment.