A photograph holds the power to take you back into time, and for city-based wildlife photographer Masood Hussain, the moment he clicked a peacock flying, he was reminded of the first ever drawing he made in nursery class. In order to revisit his educational roots, Masood’s maiden solo exhibition at Roastery Coffee House serves as a tribute to all of his school teachers.
A known personality in Hyderabad’s photography circuit, Masood holds the AFIAP (Artist, International Federation of Photographic Art, France) distinction and was awarded the Natural Capital Award by Yes Bank last year.
Titled Meraki by mh, Masood says this is an attempt to give back to the teachers who imparted him the knowledge that has got him here. Elaborating on the exhibition, Masood says, “During my kindergarten days, I was asked to draw a peacock by my teacher. Till date I have that drawing with me and it reminds me of my first tryst with wildlife. At the exhibition too, there’s a photo of a peacock taking flight; it’s called ‘Colours of Freedom’.”
He further states that the thought of a tribute exhibition had been on his mind for a long time. “But it got wings during a school reunion. When one of my teachers saw that photo, I could see tears of joy in her eyes and for me life came a full-circle at that moment. More so because of the presence of my teachers from Hyderabad Public School (HPS) at the preview show on March 31, where I made it a point to invite most of my teachers.”
The guest of honour at the preview was Nooshi Ahsan, Masood’s pre-primary class teacher at the HPS Begumpet way back in 1982. Also present were Mercy Luke (class teacher in Class III, 1985), Lulu John (class teacher in Class IV, 1986), Gowri Sircar (Class VII, 1989) and Dennis Powell, his music teacher. “My teachers have made me who I am and there isn’t enough that can be done to give back to our teachers,” says Masood.
He also feels that perhaps his photographs will help future generations learn about nature — and they can put their best foot forward to preserve it. That’s the reason Masood is in talks with the HPS administration to conduct a wildlife photography workshop for students regularly. “First I will start with my school and then proceed to other schools. It’s my bit to preserve our environment,” he concludes.
