Silent dialogue with pol shopkeeper

AHMEDABAD: Why have supermarkets or malls not been able to erase corner shops in pols of the walled city? These shops, dotting the winding, narrow lanes bear the testimony to the times lived for generations. A shopkeeper is an integral part of the community, a link between habitat and inhabitants.
Mostly occupying space which is an extension of a residential structure, like the otla (a small verandah-like space connecting the house to the street), he is not just your grocer, tailor, pastiwala or a washerman, but also the time-keeper clocking the flow, your counsellor, ally or just a listening post.
It makes sense for this culture to stand the test of time. The old-world charm of the pol keeps alive the heritage of the place. Its vibrancy justly echoes secretary-general of EuroIndia Centre, Michel Sabatier's observation that Ahmedabad's heritage is not a liability but an asset.
Celebrating and documenting vibrancy and diversity of the rich street life culture is what Manchester-based artist photographer Gavin Parry is doing. His subject is the corner shopkeeper in Dhal ni Pol. He recounts how a conversation that begins with a 'kem chho' goes on to establish a relationship, creating a portrait that elicits a response that goes beyond the surface and captures something honest and unintentional about the subject.
"It is not just a formal photographic portrait, but a meaningful interaction - a silent dialogue - between the photographer and his subject," says Gavin, adding, "Being photographed is a familiar experience for most, but what may be uncovered or revealed through the formal ritual of photographing and being photographed is the philosophical point of departure for these portraits." The initial reluctance, like "what will you do with the photograph," fades as the photographer hands the subject a polaroid film and explains his purpose. Gavin, who teaches photography at Manchester University, plans to display these pictures at the Ahmedabad International Arts Festival (AIAF) in September. "The openness and co-operation experienced while making these photographs have been heart-warming. The mutual respect helped to bridge cultural, language and ideological barriers," he says.