NAPSL takes local talent to Paris
|
Wimal Amaratunge |
|
At one of the photographic sessions |
The National Association of Photographers Sri Lanka (NAPSL) was
invited to represent Sri Lanka for 'Photoquai 2009' a photographic
biennial held in Paris on the theme non-western photography. 'Photoquai'
is organized by the Branly Museum of Paris (Musee du quai Branly) and Le
Monde 2 French magazine. Around 50 local photographers displayed their
work at the event which took shape in November 2009.
'Photoquai' consisted of an outdoor photographic exhibition running
for two months on the bank of river Sein, which runs through Paris city,
and a photographic forum held in the theatre of the Branly museum in the
vicinity of famous Eiffel Tower, during the last two days of the event.
France is considered as the birth place of photography and was disclosed
by L. J. M. Daguerre 170 years ago. This is the first time a Sri Lankan
photo club was invited to participate and make a presentation in a forum
in France. Wimal Amaratunge, Executive Director of the NAPSL was
personally invited with representatives from six other non-western
countries. The organizers of 'Photoquai' sponsored their travel and stay
in Paris. Amaratunge made a photo presentation on Sri Lanka heritage,
culture and people. The presenter of the forum was Michael Philippot the
picture editor of the Le Monde 2 magazine. The NAPSL was invited for
this forum considering their activities carried out to popularize the
photographic art in Sri Lanka.
During his stay in Paris Amaratunge had the opportunity to visit the
International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP) of which the NAPSL
is a member. The NAPSL founded in 1980 is also a member of the
Photographic Society of America (PSA), celebrates the 30th anniversary
this year.
|
Some of the exhibits on display at ‘Photoquai’ |
Membership of the NAPSL is open to anyone who is interested in
photography. Especially the photographic instruction courses conducted
by the NAPSL under the approval and registration of the Tertiary and
Vocational Education Commission (TVEC) are very popular among the
students who seek the knowledge in this art. More details of the
activities of NAPSL could be found in their website www.napsl.com. |
