Achi news desk-
The abundant presence of exceptional artists across various fields in Balochistan cannot be denied, a phenomenon that is not replicated in other parts of the country. Among these talents, the field of Art of Photography has flourished rapidly, gaining wide acclaim under the stewardship of distinguished Baloch photographers. These individuals fearlessly capture the essence of Balochistan through their lenses, spreading its splendor across various walks of life.
In the field of photography art in Balochistan, one figure stands out: Kamanchar Baloch, born on 25 November 1998, in tehsil Mand of Kech district in Balochistan. His captivating portraits have captivated the entire area, inspired by the untouched beauty and innocent narratives of his homeland. His journey into this art form began at a tender age, spurred by the desire to preserve the allure and poignant reality of Balochistan.
Unfortunately, the recent death of Kamanchar in Karachi due to stomach ailments and TB has plunged Balochistan into mourning. Despite his lack of formal education, Kamanchar’s inner drive drove him to immortalize the panorama of Balochistan through his lens.
Throughout his career, Kamanchar exhibited his portraits extensively, not only in Balochistan but also in cities like Karachi. Each exhibition showcased a wide variety of inspiring portraits, acting as a channel for expression and unity within the Balochistan community.
Kamanchar’s portraits encapsulate a spectrum of poignant themes, from poverty to cultural richness, and from opposition to other relevant issues related to Balochistan. His unwavering determination led him to document significant landmarks and historical sites across Balochistan, deeming every stone and building worthy of immortalization. “I have been trying to capture every stone in Balochistan since I started this art. For me every historical and classic place in Balochistan is worthy enough to be captured beautifully,” he expressed in a touching post on Facebook.
Kamanchar strongly believed that Balochistan has a unique tapestry of shimmering sights, some of which even the residents of the province had never imagined. Indeed, Kamanchar deftly captured a number of historical and classical sites across Balochistan, even those ravaged by time and neglect. Despite their dilapidated state, he skillfully portrayed these sites, offering a window into their former glory through the lens of his camera. Many residents of Balochistan remained unaware of the existence of these historical gems until Kamanchar brought them to light.
His giant framed portraits garnered widespread appreciation, leading to the series “Balochistan in Frames.” As he matured, Kamanchar’s ability to encapsulate the essence of Balochistan in his frames became increasingly evident. Indeed, his camera lens seemed to encapsulate Balochistan as a whole, portraying stories of sadness, turmoil, darkness, and poverty that resonated deeply with the viewers.
In Pakistan, amidst ongoing political, social and economic challenges, the role of literature, art, and creative expression, such as photography, is becoming increasingly essential. In a country characterized by upheaval, art and literature are not just leisure activities or entertainment for the wealthy; rather, they are the soul of resistance, offering a means of defiance and resilience.
Photographers like Kamanchar are not immune to the overwhelming impact of historical defeats, oppressive regimes, or national disasters. And yet, they have a unique ability to transform these grand events into moving images that illuminate the daily struggles of ordinary people. Photography, far from being just a form of artistic expression, is a powerful tool for communicating truth to the masses.
Therefore, the death of Kamanchar Baloch is a significant loss to promote the art of photography in Balochistan.
