Indian Express-Chandigarh Newsline
05/16/2006 , By Parul
Let’sTalkabout
The Outsider
Diwan Manna will capture the city of Firminy in his camera. The second largest accomplishment of Corbusier in the world after Chandigarh, the photographer hopes to connect with the people, places, spaces, to create a fresh perspective of the place
By Parul
LIFE is what holds his attention, places without people have no meaning for him or his camera, for he tries to see things the way he ‘‘sees or feels’’ them and not how his camera sees them. And a good photograph, believes Diwan Manna, is about connection — with people, places, spaces and of course, about focus, patience, concentration, for any place and its people, pronounces Manna, has enough to give you new ideas, fresh perspective. So, there are no preconceived notions in his mind, as regards to capturing the city of Firminy, in central France. ‘‘I’ll retain the sense of wonder, but won’t restrict myself or impose my style,’’ smiles Manna, who’ll be travelling soon to Firminy, on an exchange programme. The second largest accomplishment of Corbusier in the world after Chandigarh, the complex built by Corbusier comprises a stadium, cultural centre and unite d’habitation. ‘‘The idea was to bring this civic centre into the public domain and to bring heritage to life,’’ explains Manna. Volumes and spaces determine human behaviour, says Manna and the relationship we have with Corbusier’s buildings is what interests him. ‘‘I’ll study the light, for that’s the inspiration and changes the mood, ambience and people. And May is a good time in Europe to click life,’’ he signs off, all ready to experiment, explore, break away.
