Ishu Patel: Asian Lives – A Closer Look

An intimate look at the unsung lives of Asia’s people, from an award-winning film director and protégé of Henri Cartier-Bresson. Never political or judgmental, this anthology is Patel’s homage to the unsung lives of ordinary Asians, many of whom are increasingly overlooked in today’s fast-changing world.

In 2011, adhering to his mentor Henri Cartier-Bresson’s mantra to ‘photograph the truth’, animation filmmaker Ishu Patel embarked on a photographic journey in southeast Asia. Abandoning moving images to secure a series of still images that capture a uniquely human gesture or powerful thought-provoking story, he prowled both urban and rural areas armed only with a Leica M9 with 35 and 50mm fast lenses.

The result is a collection of elusive still images – photographs, mainly in black and white, that tell a story, seize a moment in life or are a witness to joy, struggle or human dignity. Patel also contributes thoughtful essays on the various countries and peoples he has so powerfully photographed.

Ishu Patel is an acclaimed animation film director/producer whose films have received distribution worldwide. His many international awards include two Oscar nominations, the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, the BAFTA award, the Grand Prix at both Annecy and the Montreal World Film Festival.