Dubai:
Offering a peep into the portrayal of street life in India, a Dubai-based Austrian photographer has compiled a unique collection of pictures which are on display at a hotel in Dubai until April 11.
Photographer Mr Gary Schmid's collection titled 'Streets of India' was compiled during his 14 days of wandering around the back streets of Jaipur, Agra, Varanasi and New Delhi. Mr Schmid calls it a striking portrayal of life in India inspired from everyday life. He found the scenes hidden away from the well-beaten tourist trail and made the people living and working in these communities the stars of his latest exhibition.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Mr Sanjay Verma, Consul-General of India in Dubai. "I think India is a country that you either love or hate and I love it," said Mr Schmid.
"It's the country with the biggest contrast, especially with colours. As a photographer, you can't wish for more than India can give you," he added.
Mr Schmid first visited India three years ago and was struck immediately by the pace of life and culture. "My first experience was extreme with the noises, the crowds and the smells. It was interesting to see the history contrast with new buildings. India is like an amazing, well-prepared studio. It's very easy flowing," he said. He was in India earlier this year to capture the photographs for his latest exhibition.
"Even though there is huge poverty, the people are satisfied and happy. There is a sparkle in peoples' eyes it's something you don't see in the West or Dubai. It's amazing that even though they are poor, they are completely satisfied and full of spirit, he said.
According to him, although an increasing number of tourists are travelling to India each year, they can still find their own slice of the country.