Bangladesh

Being featured in the British Journal of Photography is no small feat. One of the oldest photography magazines in the UK compiles a yearly list of "Ones to Watch," mostly young, but all talented, and on the cusp of breaking out.  Sarker Protick is a Bangladesh based documentary photographer that made the list in 2014. Currently a lecturer at the South Asian Institute of Photography, Protick has developed several photographic series, from a visual anthology of visits with his grandparents, to one of his most recent works "Love me or Kill Me," inspired by the Dhallywood film industry (based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, hence the name). Here, we ask him more about this project, and let the artist speak for himself. Lola Who: You’ve studied marketing, photography and journalism in Bangladesh, the United-States, and the UK. Having lived in all those places, how would you compare the photography scene in Bangladesh? Sarker: Actually,  it was only for a brief period of time, so I don’t think I should compare. But undoubtedly, the photographic scene is very strong and dynamic in Bangladesh. There are many good photographers. We have a famous photography school called "Pathshala," which has made a huge contribution to Bangladeshi photography. There is also a biennial festival of photography called "Chobi Mela International Photo Festival" that brings major and emerging artists from all over the world. We have a strong community, but unfortunately not many galleries are established here, especially in the photographic scene.