Eyes On Bangladesh - Project 1 : "Invincible Smiles" book
"A few months ago I have been invited to exhibit my work about Bangladesh in Paris along with Yann-Arthus Bertrand (Human & Home movies, La Terre Vue du Ciel + numerous other book about environmentalism) and 6 other great artists."
The Exhibition
The week long exhibition took place at the Atelier Yann-Arthus Bertrand in Paris, France and showcased the work of six artists and photographers who were passionate about the country.
I presented 3 projects, one of these was a book that I called "Invincible Smiles".
The country
Bangladesh is not the typical country where you go for your holidays. To be exact, tourism is non existent in Bangladesh.
A poverty stricken nation, Bangladesh is beset by numerous issues. Not only does it have one of the densest populations in the world, but each year it’s people are victims of natural disasters that make it nearly impossible for families earn a stable living.
Despite all of this, the people there and especially the kids are smiling so much. I remember seeing joyful people, they are curious about everything, and ask so many questions when they meet you.
This lemon vendor asked me to take the picture, and gave me 2 lemons to reward me !
Funny fact it's more likely a local that is going to ask you to take a picture with him than the opposite.
The mothers... Always the Mothers.
The Book
So this book (there are currently only 2 editions), is retracing the month I spent there. I tried to put a small text on almost each page to give more consistency to the photography. I originally went to Bangladesh to visit my friend Tom who was animating drawing and singing workshops for the kids in the slums. I did not have any news from him for many weeks, and when I finally realized he was there I took a flight ticket !
Look it's unfortunately a flash client preview that never work on mobile phones, but you can browse the book here if you are on a laptop:
http://www.asovx.com/upload/Preview?projectId=NTym3trl9zU%3D&webClientId=1
There are so many things to show, so many things to say about Bangladesh and its people. Unfortunately, mainstream news are apparently not really interested by the destiny of this mysterious country.
Little girl alone in the streets of Dhaka
Specs :
- Layflat Book
- 90 Pages
- © Gilles Bonugli Kali
Location :
Bangladesh
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This is an incredible and important photo essay book. Thank you for sharing your visions. I enjoyed every smile on every page. A masterpiece!
Thanks for your words !
That picture of the lemon vendor.... just amazing.
Aww thanks, yeah I love this shot too ! Surreal...
I just wanted to stop by and say that I have selected this piece to be in @msp-creativebot's weekly feature!
Congratulations and I hope it brings some extra love to your post and page!
Also, any plans to do further posts surrounding your visit to Bangladesh and the people there?
If you would like to see it, the post you are showcased in is right here. :)
Hi ! Thanks so much for this :) I am actually planning 2 more posts about Bangladesh. Do you want me to let you know about them when i do it ?
Absolutely! Please do!
This is amazing photography. The lemon vendor has so much character in his face. The children are so beautiful. The little girl alone, I feel a story of hardship, she's much older than her years.
Thanks so much for your words, you exactly feel what I felt when capturing those, that is a huge compliment for me as a photographer, that means the message has been transmitted seamlessly. :)
Very great work @eyegasm.
Thanks Kadri !
its really amazing clicks...
thank you :)
most welcome sir
That's a really sweet project you got there, Bangladesh is an amazing place to see. Even life other there is hard for most of the local, they still show the most beautiful smile I've ever seen. There is so much to learn from them...
Thanks for sharing about you experience.
Thanks Vince !
Outstanding work! Up 100% + resteem!
Will this book be available to buy in the future? I would really like to buy it.
I assume you know of the OpenBazaar project.
Hello ! Thanks for the support. The thing is that this book was awfully expensive to produce, that is why I made only 2, one has been given to the organizer and one has been sold during the exhibition. I could probably make it cheaper but it would not be lay flat and probably of a lower quality.
And no I don't think I heard about OpenBazaar ! :) What is this ?
Yes, books are quite expensive to produce, particularly ones like that with a hardcover and lots of photo grade paper.
However, there are other options, high quality paperback it more magazine like would be cheaper and still look good.
Open Bazaar is a decentralised market place! It's quite exciting (I don't work for them, lol)
Much more info on their site: Open Bazaar
Version 1.0 is usable and they are currently beta testing version 2.0 which is much upgraded.
The default currency is BTC but with shapeshift you can use many other cryptos.
Happy reading!
Thanks for the info ! And at least for now you still have the lik i provided if you want to look at the book (I admit it is way different than a concrete book that you hold in your hands :)
I'll take a look when I get home! On mobile right now.