Art of Seeing: Bazuki Muhammad Solo Exhibition

Bazuki Muhammad. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/poliniphotography/4946127560/?rb=1

Mr. Bazuki Muhammad is an international award-winning photojournalist who has covered assignments for Reuters, Knoxville Journal, Maryville Times, Daily Reveille and New Straits Times for 30 years. A US-trained architect, he spent 10 years in New Orleans and Knoxville experimenting with his “Art of Seeing” before shooting for Reuters in Malaysia. His works have been featured in publications such as Newsweek, Life, Asiaweek and Time. He won Publish Asia’s Best in Sports Photography for two consecutive years in 2002 and 2003. 

Mr. Bazuki covered London Olympics, cyclone Nargis in Myanmar, U.S. President Bush in Japan, war in Afghanistan, tsunami in Thailand, Hajj in Mecca, Thailand’s political turmoil, troubles in southern Thailand and floods in Bangkok. Mr. Bazuki is currently a contract photographer for AP Assignments and an Adviser to the New Straits Times Press in Kuala Lumpur. He is an alumnus of Louisiana State University, College of Design.

“My best lens is my eyes.” - Bazuki Muhammad

Art of Seeing: Bazuki Muhammad Solo Exhibition 

I went to Mr. Bazuki Muhammad's solo exhibition on the 26th of March, 2015 at The New Straits Time Press (NSTP) gallery in Jalan Riong, Bangsar. As this is my 1st time visiting a photo exhibition, I excitedly carry my notebook and pen, ready to embark on this mini mission my Photo Journalism lecturer assigned. Stepping into a rather quiet lobby on a Thursday afternoon, I carefully make my way to where the photos were displayed. 

I was amazed by the many significant events in the world that Mr. Bazuki managed to capture. There were portraits of our Malaysia Prime Minister, Tsunami, War in Afghan, Floods and many more significant events. Besides, Mr. Bazuki captures a lighter side of things such as the daily life of the sea gypsies and beach soccer at Pantai Burak Beach. 

However, the short caption given, eg: Tsunami, was insufficient to explain to me what happened in the picture. All I know is that the picture was taken during the Tsunami. The caption did not answer most of the "5W1H" questions that I was taught in Photo Journalism Class. I have been to an art exhibition, though I do not know much about painting techniques and type of materials used, the caption attached to the paintings did a great job in educating me. 

It didn't take long for me to finish viewing the whole photo exhibition, I was actually hoping to see more spectacular photographs there. But for a first visit to a photo exhibition, I am contended. 

The images that Mr Bazuki captured took him years to finally have an exhibition such as this. I appreciate his hard work, his photojournalism career inspired me by telling me there is no short cut to create great art. I wasn't aware of such photo exhibition if not for attending Photo Journalism Class. Before leaving, I signed the Guest book, and I look forward to more photo exhibition such as this. 


References:

1. Muhammad, B. (n.d.). Retrieved from Bazuki Muhammad : http://bazuki.com/portfolio2015/