Hub of Cricket Information

The first thing that comes to mind about Africa is its biodiversity and wildlife. The more you explore Africa the better you get to know nature?s gifts raw and unadulterated. But going south to the Republic of South Africa one can experience the taste of urban life with all the glitz and glamour. The southern tip of the world is now emerging as the centre of cultural activities of Africa. Cape Town and Pretoria are one of those cities that appreciate art. Yasir Nisar, a photographer par excellence, recently got the opportunity to exhibit his ?The Other Pakistan? collection in South Africa. Executive Mayor of Cape Town Alderman Dan Plato in association with Pakistan High Commission organised the exhibition. Along with Yasir?s work the exhibition also displayed the works of four guest photographers.

Yasir Nisar belongs to Lahore the cultural capital of the country. He is a nationally acclaimed and celebrated photographer who uses his lens as a paintbrush to capture moments of eternal beauty and magnificence.

The other Pakistan?, as the title suggests, aims to highlight the soft image of the country. A nation such as Pakistan cannot be seen only through the prism of security issues, or perceived as a country infected with fanaticism. The roots of our rich cultural heritage can be traced as far back as the Indus valley civilization. Pakistan is a country, which has often been misunderstood. It is either been seen through the perspective of the Indian media or through the western propaganda. Yasir?s work covers all major aspects of Pakistani society from social norms to religious and cultural festivals and from Mughal architecture to natural landscape of the north.

Yasir?s work shows that he has travelled the light and breath of Pakistan. The content varies from mundane daily aspects of life, to elements that are purely human. He brings us face to face with various facets of Pakistan?s life, and takes us away from the transient to what is permanent, the essential beauty, dignity and vastness of what Pakistan is all about.

Arts and culture promote and reflect open society values, and influence public attitudes. It helps in fostering relations based on love and friendship. The work of Yasir Nisar and his supporting photographers through this exhibition not only introduce the soft image of Pakistan to the South African people but also lays a foundation of mutual friendship and brotherhood between the two nations.

Talking to the Sunday Plus Yasir Nisar said, ?I have learnt the art of photography as a means to document the essence of our nation?s socio-cultural milieu, using the aesthetics to enlighten the viewer?s perception to an embracement of our cultural tapestry, our heritage, and the mosaic landscapes unique to the region. This is my absolute passion.?

Yasir has founded the Pakistan Photographers Group ? an online platform, not only for Pakistani photographers, but all aficionados, from hobbyists to professionals around the globe. The aim of the Group is to capture the soul of Pakistan in all its eclectic forms.

Yasir's work has been printed and displayed both at national and international level in various books, travel magazines and newspapers. He has done numerous projects such as the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs? official coffee-table book, which features 12 of his images, and his photographs are also used extensively in tourism magazines. He is sought-after in the advertising industry, and is well known for his striking billboards of the cricket series when held in Pakistan. In addition, he is an accredited photographer to theatre productions, and is equally a widely respected fashion photographer. He has won numerous national awards, and launched the first ever quarterly online tourism magazine, Towards Pakistan.

The world is a global village, cultural exchanges should be promoted, explored and underscored. The Other Pakistan? is one such initiative that would encourage young enthusiasts of fine arts to go for the international exposure. The exhibition is a step forward also in encouraging and inspiring both South African and international artists.

A solo exhibition by Yasir Nisar focusing the religious life in Cape Town was also held in Cape Town. The exhibition was arranged by University of Cape Town. It aimed at highlighting different faiths including Muslim, Christian and Jewish and their rites and traditions coexisting in South Africa in general and Cape Town in particular.