Born in London to English / Iraqi parents Sarmad Attar Bashi has spent many years based in the performing arts working in a variety of mediums, including: Super 8 film, theatre, video, photography & music including live performance. He was formerly based in London with periods spent in Baghdad. He is now based in Berlin and has a new show starting on March 25, to which you are all invited. I had a chat with him before the show opening next week.
Tell us about your show: Summer / Winter:
There are two contrasting elements in the work, winter and summer, the former reflecting the dark strain of winter, and the introspective withdrawal within. Which is then contrasted by the passionate release offered by the warmth of summer. The journey into the mind is countered by the physical journey outwards - the balance of the deathly spirit & the life energy.
The summer series explores the baring of Berlin flesh. The freedom of expression. The acceptance of naked, imperfect beauty. The unbridled embrace of nature. The rekindling of the fire.
The winter series reaches inward: To the chaos of dark inner searching. The journey within, to explore the creative drive that is also a part of the Berlin expression. Toward distance & pain. Isolation born of a season of harsh climes.
These were photographed with an emphasis upon naturalism, images were taken directly from the moment as caught in the camera's eye. An attempt to let the instant define the experience.
Is Berlin a photogenic City? (What scenes do you most like to photograph?)
Sometimes what you find to photograph in Berlin is not attractive in the traditional sense. Decay, damage, repair. Nature bursting through.
What galleries do you visit in Berlin and why?
My favourites are C/O Berlin – superb for photographic exploration and The Guggenheim which has a warm & welcoming attitude & a great, ever changing bookshop.
What made you want to get into photography?
The Moon! I used to live in Southern Turkey, before I came to Berlin. I could see the moon set into the sea each night. Creating a picture, almost, too amazing to capture.
If you had the power to go to any moment in time and photograph it, what/where would you go?
Perhaps the Himalayas. Or why not The Moon itself : )
If you could choose one super power what would it be?
The power to fly … with or without a camera around my neck....
Sarmad Attar Bashi show opens March 25 @ 19.00 in the intimate surroundings of the Pflueger68 Gallery, Pluegerstr, Kreuzberg.
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