A young photographer, who sees change in society through his lens, brought together a group of 17 teenagers from AW Thomas Girls’ Home to explore the power of photography. The result was Hidden Scars, an exhibition of 34 stories captured by the young residents of the home at Jaiaw Lumsyntiew on August 11.
Clinton Massar, who is into social change photography for the last two years, took up the project with the girls’ home on July 21 involving participants between 13 and 17 years of age. He held several sessions with the girls teaching them the basics of photography and editing. The sessions also involved motivational talks.
“Initially, the girls were apprehensive. But gradually they opened up to me and started showing interest in the subject,” said the 25-year-old trainer.
The girls were given both DSLR and point-and-shoot cameras and asked to express their emotions. Massar and Sanimika Khyriem, the young superintendent of the home, took the participants to Iewduh, Polo and Golf Links.
“We did not want the usual nature photography and so we chose the three buzzing localities where they can get variety and where human stories are aplenty. They were free to roam around and take the photographs,” said Khyriem.
And the result was “amazing” as the photographs not only touched hearts but also the raw nerves of the society we live in. From child labour and child rights, poverty and ordeals of old age to the strength of filial bonding, the pictures spoke more than a thousand words.
Pointing to a photograph of an old woman selling kwai in Bara Bazar, Massar said when he wanted to know what the participant meant, “she said the old lady reminded her of her meiieid who also strives to run the family”.
“‘This is not an age when one should work but these old people are compelled to do so’, she had explained,” Massar said.
Another photograph showed a girl begging on the streets. “The photographer said she was lucky to have a shelter and education. A child should not beg but go to school. Yet so many children are denied the basic right to education,” the professional pointed to the photograph as he explained the story behind it.
There was also metaphor in some photographs. For example, one frame showed a shop selling chappals and a man walking past the shop. Massar said it had an interesting story.
“The photographer feels while all of us use chappals which protect our feet from getting soiled and hurt, only a handful of us value them. We forget about the importance of chappals,” he smiled while explaining the photographer’s point of view.
Wanpli Nongrum, a 17-year-old photographer in the team, said she was “excited” to hold a camera for the first time. “It meant a lot to me. The sessions, the outings and using the cameras were a learning process. It is true that pictures speak when words fail to explain your true feelings and emotions,” she said.
Nongrum took photographs of a father-son duo walking in Motphran that reminded her of her father and family. She also clicked the photo of a bunch of flowers which seemed as alive and colourful “as my family”.
Ibadahun Kharmyndai’s photograph of flowers told a different story. “It represents our daily life and the hardships we face. But we should not give up and face everything boldly. You have to bloom no matter how inclement the weather is. Hope is what keeps you going,” said the 16-year-old photographer.
Another photo to her credit was that of a man selling knup and other traditional cane items at Iewduh. “The photograph talks about our tradition that we should preserve for the generations to come. In doing so, it will also encourage shop owners like the one in the photograph to be in the business,” she said.
“The photographs in a way give voice to the voiceless. Many of us go unnoticed in the hustle bustle but these pictures will give them an identity. I was really enlightened through the workshop. It motivated me to take up issues and tell the stories,” she added.
Khyriem, who invited her friend Massar to conduct the workshop at the girls’ home, said it was more than just sessions and talks. “It was an awareness process and therapeutic for the girls who had gone through harsh times in their lives. ‘Hidden Scars’ reflects not only the negatives of life but also the positives. It shows a ray of hope for change,” she added.
Social change photography involves research and is used as a tool to address social issues and advocate for the voiceless. “So we are planning to make this a regular affair and conduct such exhibitions every year,” said Massar.
~ NM