There is no denying the abundant presence of exceptional artists across multifarious fields in Balochistan, a phenomenon not replicated in other regions of the country. Among these talents, the realm of Photography Art has rapidly flourished, garnering widespread acclaim under the stewardship of distinguished Baloch photographers. These individuals fearlessly seize the essence of Balochistan through their lenses, disseminating its splendour across various spheres of life.
In the field of photography art in Balochistan, one figure stands out: Kamanchar Baloch, born on 25 November 1998, in tehsil Mand of Balochistan's Kech district. His captivating portraits have captivated the entire region, inspired by the untouched beauty and untold narratives of his homeland. His journey into this art form commenced at a tender age, spurred by the desire to preserve both the allure and the poignant realities of Balochistan.
Regrettably, the recent passing of Kamanchar in Karachi due to stomach and TB ailments has plunged Balochistan into mourning. Despite his lack of formal education, Kamanchar's inner drive propelled him to immortalize the panorama of Balochistan through his lens.
Throughout his career, Kamanchar exhibited his portraits extensively, not only within Balochistan but also in cities like Karachi. Each exhibition showcased a diverse array of inspirational portraits, serving as a conduit for expression and solidarity within the Balochistan community.
Kamanchar's portraits encapsulate a spectrum of poignant themes, from poverty to cultural richness, and from resistance to other pertinent issues concerning Balochistan. His unwavering determination led him to document significant landmarks and historical sites across Balochistan, considering each stone and edifice worthy of being immortalized. "I have been striving to capture every stone in Balochistan since I began this art. For me every historical and classical place in Balochistan is worthy enough to be captured beautifully," he expressed in a poignant Facebook post.
Kamanchar firmly believed that Balochistan held a unique tapestry of shimmering vistas, some of which even the province's own residents had never imagined. Indeed, Kamanchar adeptly captured numerous historical and classical sites across Balochistan, even those ravaged by time and neglect. Despite their dilapidated state, he skillfully portrayed these sites, offering a window into their erstwhile glory through his camera lens. Many residents of Balochistan remained unaware of the existence of these historical gems until Kamanchar brought them to light.
His monumental frame portraits garnered widespread appreciation, culminating in the series "Balochistan in Frames." As he matured, Kamanchar's ability to encapsulate the essence of Balochistan in his frames became increasingly evident. Indeed, his camera lens seemed to encapsulate the entirety of Balochistan, portraying tales of sorrow, turmoil, darkness, and poverty that resonated deeply with viewers.
In Pakistan, amidst perpetual political, social, and economic challenges, the role of literature, art, and creative expression, such as photography, becomes ever more vital. In a country marked by turbulence, art and literature are not merely pursuits of leisure or entertainment for the well-off; rather, they are the soul of resistance, offering a means of defiance and resilience.
Photographers like Kamanchar are not immune to the overwhelming impact of historical defeats, oppressive regimes, or national disasters. Yet, they possess a unique ability to transmute these grand events into poignant images that illuminate the everyday struggles of ordinary people. Photography, far from being merely a form of artistic expression, serves as a powerful tool for conveying truth to the masses.
Therefore, the death of Kamanchar Baloch is a significant loss for the advancement of photography art in Balochistan.