OF HUMAN NATURE AND ARCHITECTURE

Photographer A Prathap and Datuk Ramli Ibrahim collaborate for an extraordinary exhibition

There is a thin line between accidents and chances, and it is said that most masterpieces are produced by accident. For A Prathap’s collaboration with Datuk Ramli Ibrahim—a photography exhibition focusing on Ellora, called the Cave of the Heart—that was exactly what had happened, as it was an unplanned masterpiece. “Datuk Ramli and I were supposed to shoot photographs at Mamallapuram, Chennai last December. However, we both ended up not being able to make it,” said the photographer who also contributes to The Times of India (Chennai edition). “Then Datuk Ramli told me that he was going to perform in Aurangabad for a dance festival, late January 2018, and suggested I consider photographing the Ellora Caves not far from there, which we both had never been to.” Following that, Prathap did extensive research on Ellora and he took up Datuk Ramli’s suggestion. While Ellora is famous, it isn’t exactly what you’d call in the trodden track of tourists, but it still holds a magical vibe. Carved from solid rock over several centuries, the Ellora caves were dedicated to Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monks. “The Ellora cave complex is truly one of the great wonders, where rock-cut cave architecture is concerned. Datuk Ramli, on the other hand, is also a living treasure—both vouched for by Unesco. What more could a photographer ask for?” added Prathap. For those seeking to explore the genius of a bygone era and to observe the combined devotion, passion and creativity to produce the works of art—which can’t be replicated despite our technological knowledge—the exhibition beckons. This is the first exhibition of Datuk Ramli Ibrahim after being honoured with the Padma Shri. Officiated by HE Mridul Kumar, the high commissioner of India to Malaysia, on May 20 at Sutra Gallery, it runs until June 20. Visit sutrafoundation.org.my for more information.