The Jury of PABA
Syed Mehdi Bukhari is a professional photographer and writer since 2004. His news stories and photos are published by Dawn and BBC Urdu, two reputable publishing platforms in Pakistan. Bukhari's prime interest lies in documentary photography that encompasses portraits, daily and cultural activities, and lively landscapes. Aiming to depict the familiar in an unfamiliar way, Bukhari's photos bring out moments and sceneries that may otherwise bypass our eyes. For example, the common night views can be captured in a surreal manner, and the ordinary everyday scenarios in daylight can be demonstrated through recomposition from alternative viewpoints.
Achievements Bukhari has been interviewed by Pakistan Television (PTV), Radio Pakistan, Voice of America, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), and many national and international media channels in honor of the beauty and message in his photography works. Bukhari’s works were displayed at Secretariat of the National Assembly and Kuldana Art Gallery in Murree being run under Pak Army, as well as published on National Geographic website and in various national magazines worldwide including “Our Heritage” by Marriott Hotels, Daewoo Pakistan, Herald by Dawn Media Group and WWF Pakistan. He is currently writing weekly travelogues/Travel Stories in Dawn, and he previously wrote for BBC Urdu. Bukhari’s works are also exhibited in the Berlin Embassy of Pakistan. The Barcelona Embassy of Pakistan is decorated by his works, and the Paris Embassy of Pakistan is organizing a photo exhibition for him in November 2017. Bukhari’s works were exclusively displayed at NASDAQ MarketSite Tower, the largest stationary video screen in the world overlooking the busy streets at Times Square, New York on the Independence Day of Pakistan in 2016. Bukhari is an executive member of Photographic Arts Society of Pakistan (PSAP), a forum established in 1980 to represent Pakistan in the field of photography internationally. Bukhari has been conducting photography workshops for newcomers and professionals alike for the past three years. He has hosted seven workshops so far in Islamabad (at Kuch Khas and Minerva Art Gallery) and in Lahore (at the Alhamra Arts Council). His work are published regularly on calendars of national level institutes/companies like NBP, National Radio and Telecom Corporation (NRTC), Matco Rice Mills , Fatima Fertilizer, and Nestle Pakistan. Bukhari is also an Assistant Professor at the School of Creative Arts of University of Lahore, many of his students are professional photographers. |