I had the pleasure of seeing the World Press Photo 2008 exhibition in Sydney this afternoon. Every year I find myself transfixed by these photos, appreciating them more as I learn about photography through my own activities.
I was astounded at how many people were at the exhibition, but even more surprised by people's reactions and behaviour to the photos. I can only describe it as being 'detached'.
There were photos that held me, enthralled, that moved me, that sent shivers up my spine.
Yet, when I sat down to look around, people would look at these photos, read the accompanying comments and then move on, with no sign of impact. Are the events these photos depict, in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Ukraine, Kenya, Nigeria… are they all so far away from the reality here? Are people that detached that these photos aren't able to move them? It's a feeling I haven't quite been able to shake…
The other night, after dinner with a friend in Newtown, I had the pleasure of being re-acquainted with the wonder that is Gould's books in Newtown.
There is something about this store, the old books, the musty smell. Or perhaps the row upon row upon wall upon wall upon stack upon stack of books that are littered everywhere. Whatever it is, it appeals to my inner bookworm.
After a good half hour of wandering around and browsing, I walked out armed with 4 books; books that I most likely won't read in the next month, and will have to cart back to Pakistan, but pleased with my purchases nevertheless!
Something peculiar happened last night on my way back from the AIESEC office. Our rickshaw-wallah (driver) pulled over (in peak hour traffic in one of the busier areas of Karachi) to help push another's rickshaw… using his foot. And he proceeded to do so for another few kilometres.
It's something so small, but it really made my day.
