Exhibition unveils the secret beauty of Pakistan

A research student from Pakistan is hosting a photographic exhibition at Edge Hill University to showcase the hidden beauty of his country.

Abbas Sajjad, aged 25, has been working with the Media Department on a British Council-funded documentary project which aims to assess the impact of the Western media on the educated Pakistani class.

A graphic designer by trade, he came to Edge Hill to further his technical knowledge as part of an early stage researcher initiative arranged in collaboration with the National College of Arts, in Abbas' home city of Lahore. While at the Ormskirk campus, staff discovered his talent for photography and invited him to put on an exhibition of his work.

Abbas said: "I've been focusing on the neglected heritage of Pakistan - there are so many beautiful places, but people are not aware of them. I've tried to depict everyday life and I like to observe things in detail, so I just carried my camera around with me, taking photographs of whatever caught my eye."

The result is a colourful mix of stunning landscapes and scenery, alongside fascinating portraits of local people. Most are taken in the Hunza Valley, in the north of Pakistan, an area rarely visited by tourists or those who live in the country, despite being very beautiful.

"I worked for a film maker who used to give me odd assignments to do," added Abbas. "For one task, he sent me out in to the city to take photographs of inanimate objects - then inanimate objects, with people. He used unconventional methods, rather than formal training.

"As a graphic designer, I see both film making and photography in that context. I hope that I will be able to develop my skills in film making, but also in motion graphics."

The photography exhibition takes place in the Business School foyer from Monday 14 December to Wednesday 16 December. Staff are invited to a preview from 4pm to 6pm on Monday 14 December when light refreshments will also be available.