KATHMANDU: A photograph captures the horizon where the blue sky with thin layer of white clouds meets the blue sea water at Croatia. At the seashore there is metal stairs placed at the centre of the image. Looking at this picture you can feel tranquillity because of the natural beauty, while the metal stairs makes you wonder that people must have enjoyed being at that place, even without the presence of humans you can feel the emotions of happiness and serenity.

This and more are a part of the exhibition ‘L’usure du monde — The wearing of the world’ by France based photographer Frédéric Lecloux at Alliance Française of Kathmandu (AFK), Tripureshwor on February 11.

The exhibition is a tribute to Swiss Writer/Traveller Nicolas Bouvier who published L’Usage du Monde. Lecloux has travelled to Geneva, Yugoslavia, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan — just how Bouvier has mentioned in his book. Lecloux has captured stunning landscapes and still life in his camera. Though he has captured mostly objects used in everyday life or things seen in our daily life, and portraits those photographs narrate emotion of those who used that space or object.

“I am interested in objects because I think those objects that belong to people tell a lot about the way people live their everyday life as well as what they like or don’t like,” the artist explained about the reason to capture objects.

In a photograph, he has captured an ATM machine. What is unusual about that? Well the wall surrounding that machine is decorated with beautiful white tiles with designs in blue. This shows that before an ATM was constructed there it used to be someone’s home.

It is not easy doing what the photographer does, so challenges are bound to follow, he shares one such challenge. “My challenge is to stay in limited space as much as possible and be more discrete without disturbing the people around their life.”

But when there is inspiration you find a way to deal with whatever come your way. This is what works for Lecloux perhaps. He is inspired by the people, being with them and taking their photographs soothes him. The current exhibition is also a product of his beautiful memories while spending time with people from different places. For Lecloux photography is his way to link to the world. This is the first time he has

exhibited photographs that are not about Nepal, he has already exhibited his works about

Nepal though.

Around 40 photographs taken during his journey from 2004 to 2005 are on exhibition. The play of light in his photographs give a positive vibe, it makes you feel at ease.

The exhibition capturing the gaiety mood continues till March 4.