Following the successful launches of their previous titles “BHV Zoo – Life at Bahawalpur Zoo” by Amean J and “Mrs. Azra Syed’s Pakistan Cooking”, Markings Publishing proudly introduced their third venture, “Dou Rukh” [رخ دو] by acclaimed photographers Arif Mahmood and Tapu Javeri at the Indus Valley School of Art & Architecture in Karachi.
The launch was opened with an introduction to the evening by Tuba Arshad, Creative Manager at Markings where she invited on stage both photographers Arif Mahmood and Tapu Javeri who spoke about their experience and efforts on working on ‘Dou Rukh’. This was followed by addresses by renowned TV Actor Shakeel, fashion designer Rizwan Beyg, ex-cabaret dancer/socialite Marzi and TV host Mathira, also subjects from ‘Dou Rukh’, where they shared their experience of working with Arif Mahmood and Tapu Javeri on ‘Dou Rukh’.
Also in attendance were fashion designers Bunto Kazmi, Shamaeel Ansari, Nida Azwer, Deepak Perwani, Adnan Pardesy, Wardha Saleem and Sanam Chaudhry; stylists Nabila and Rukaiya Adamjee; choreographer Imran Quraishi; media personalities Imran Aslam and Hameed Haroon; photographers Amean J, Fayyaz Ahmed, Rizwan-ul-Haq and Ayaz Anis Khan; qawwal Farid Ayaz; TV host Mishi Khan; Brands and External Communications Manager Unilever Pakistan Fareshteh Aslam, poets Zehra Nigah and Faraz Maqsood Hamidi; architect Habib Fida Ali and members of the esteemed media present at the event. The event was managed by Catwalk with Public Relations by Lotus.
Indeed “Dou Rukh” is a photographic representation of two individual perspectives using the same subject in portrait format which, all of whom were captured this 2011. Each individual portrait intricately expresses the photographers’ distinct compositions, framework, lighting, shadows and connection with the subject. This unique compilation is styled to include two front covers; “Dou Rukh” opens landscape from one side to reveal portraits by Arif Mahmood. Mid way the book pages also rendered the other way round, featuring images by Tapu Javeri in vertical format – Thus, both sides of the book are also the respective front covers.
Personalities captured by Arif Mahmood and Tapu Javeri both, include: humanitarian Abdul Sattar Edhi, qawwals Farid Ayaz and Abu Mohammad, artist Durriya Kazi, TV actor Shakeel, architect Habib Fida Ali, TV host Mathira, musician Ali Zafar, ex-cabaret dancer/socialite Marzi, restaurateur Mahmood Bundo Khan, playwright Haseena Moin, film actress Reema Khan, comedian Durdana Butt, media personality Imran Aslam, fashion designer Rizwan Beyg, fashion model Ayaan, and poetess Zehra Nigah along with both Arif Mahmood and Tapu Javeri themselves portrayed through each others’ lens.
Speaking about the book, photographer Arif Mahmood said, “This project was started on our whim. Tapu and I were sitting on a weekend over coffee. We wanted to do portraits. It started with seven personalities, which got extended to fourteen and then the eventual number enclosed within these pages. For the record all portraits were shot in 2011. The list was a sensitive and calculated one. Various people were added and then dismissed as the yardstick varied on our moods and their availability. We had the reins of this ride and it was going to be a great one. So it began… The perspective game.”
Speaking about ‘Dou Rukh’, Tapu Javeri said “‘Dou Rukh’, conceived over large frothy mugs of coffee with my colleague Arif Mahmood and achieved with the help of more caffeine through its shoots. This concept has lingered in our minds since the 1990’s. A great portrait is determined by how much of the photographer is expressed in the subject. ‘Dou Rukh’ enabled Arif and me to show how differently we envision our subjects and hence the world. Even the layout of the book emphasizes how individualistic we are as photographers.”
“Photographers and photography is celebrated for its ability to capture that ‘decisive moment’. The fact that it presents a very specific space and time is what makes it a challenge for the photographer and, so intriguing for the onlooker. In this book, both photographers have captured what they have individually
“Dou Rukh” is now available to purchase for PKR 1,200 at Liberty Books and Photo Space Gallery in Karachi.
For more information, please visit: www.markings.com.pk, www.facebook.com/markingspk
Book Credits:
Published by: Markings Publishing
Photographers: Arif Mahmood and Tapu Javeri
Photography Credits: KASHIF-UD-DIN, KOHI MARRI and MIKAIL SOOMRO
