Abbas Attar
Abbas Attar, known simply as Abbas, was an Iranian-born photographer whose work spanned over six decades, covering some of the most significant global conflicts and societal changes of the 20th and early 21st centuries. He was renowned for his compelling black-and-white photographs that went beyond mere documentation to tell profound stories about the human condition.
Early Life and Career
Born on March 29, 1944, in Khash, Iran, Abbas Attar began his career as a photographer in the 1960s. He initially worked in Paris, where he joined Sipa Press in 1971 and later Gamma in 1974. His early work involved covering major conflicts such as the Biafra War, the Vietnam War, and the South African apartheid regime. His photographs from this period are marked by their dramatic intensity and deep empathy for the subjects.
In 1981, Abbas joined Magnum Photos, a prestigious cooperative agency known for its high standards in documentary photography. This membership marked a significant turning point in his career, allowing him to reach a broader audience and engage in more extensive projects.
Photographic Style and Techniques
Abbas’s photographic style is characterized by its thoughtful composition, stark contrasts, and profound depth. He was a master of black-and-white photography, which he used to great effect to highlight the gravity and emotional weight of his subjects. Abbas believed in capturing “a suspended moment,” where the image is part of a larger narrative, suggesting continuity beyond the frame.
He approached photography with the mindset of a storyteller, often spending years on a single project to fully explore and understand his subjects. His technique involved immersing himself in the environment and patiently waiting for the right moment to capture a scene that would resonate on a deeper level. Abbas once said, “My photography is a reflection, which comes to life in action and leads to meditation. Spontaneity – the suspended moment – intervenes during action, in the viewfinder”.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Abbas documented many of the world’s most critical events and movements. Some of his notable works include:
• Iranian Revolution (1979): Abbas’s coverage of the Iranian Revolution is among his most acclaimed works. His photos capture the fervor and turmoil of the period, providing a vivid chronicle of the revolution’s impact on Iranian society.
• Wars and Conflicts: Abbas covered conflicts in Biafra, Bangladesh, Northern Ireland, Vietnam, and Bosnia. His work in Sarajevo during the Bosnian War, for instance, provided haunting images that captured the human cost of the conflict.
• Religious Studies: Post-revolution, Abbas turned his focus to religion. He spent years documenting the resurgence of Islam across the world, culminating in his book “Allah O Akbar: A Journey Through Militant Islam” (1994). He also explored Christianity and other religions in subsequent projects.
Photography Gear
• Leica M3/M4: Renowned for their robustness and the quality of their lenses, these cameras were ideal for the kind of in-the-moment, high-stress environments Abbas often found himself in. The Leica’s compact size and quiet shutter made it perfect for unobtrusive shooting.
• Canon EOS Series: Abbas used various models from the Canon EOS series for their reliability and versatility. The advanced autofocus system and wide range of compatible lenses allowed him to adapt to different shooting conditions quickly.
• Nikon FM2: Known for its durability and mechanical precision, the Nikon FM2 was another favorite. Its all-metal construction and dependable performance made it suitable for the rugged conditions Abbas often faced.
Photography books
In “Allah O Akbar: A Journey Through Militant Islam,” Abbas provides a comprehensive exploration of the diverse and complex nature of militant Islam across 29 countries and four continents. Over seven years, he captures the intricacies of various Muslim societies, documenting political events, revolutions, and the everyday lives of people in these regions. The book is a visual diary that delves into the internal strains and dynamics within the Islamic world. For practicing photographers, this book is invaluable for its demonstration of how to approach sensitive and volatile subjects with nuance and depth. Abbas’s ability to convey powerful narratives through his images offers profound insights into the role of a documentary photographer in capturing socio-political realities.
“In Whose Name?: The Islamic World after 9/11” documents Abbas’s journey through the Islamic world following the events of September 11, 2001. Spanning seven years, this project covers sixteen countries, including Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Afghanistan. Abbas’s photographs and diary excerpts provide a candid look into the social and political landscapes post-9/11. This book is particularly notable for its ability to capture the undercurrents of global disturbances and the moments of resilience and humanity amid conflict. Practicing photographers will find inspiration in Abbas’s method of capturing “the suspended moment,” a technique that freezes significant gestures and actions, making them emblematic of broader issues.
“Gods I’ve Seen: Travels Among Hindus” is a rich visual exploration of Hinduism across India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bali. Over three years, Abbas delves into the mystical world of Hindu beliefs, rituals, and daily life. This book stands out for its inclusion of both black-and-white and color photographs, showcasing Abbas’s versatility and adaptability to different cultural contexts. For photographers, this book is a treasure trove of insights into capturing the essence of religious and cultural practices. Abbas’s ability to portray the spiritual and ritualistic elements of Hinduism through his lens offers valuable lessons in photographing religious subjects with sensitivity and respect.
In “Faces of Christianity: A Photographic Journey,” Abbas explores Christian communities worldwide, from Cuba to Jerusalem, Lourdes to Mali, and the United States to Russia. This book provides a visual tour of what it means to be a Christian at the dawn of a new millennium. Abbas’s images blend thoughtful observations with dramatic black-and-white photography, making this book a compelling resource for understanding the diversity and unity within Christianity. Photographers will appreciate Abbas’s approach to documenting religious practices, political contexts, and spiritual experiences, offering a model for capturing the multifaceted nature of faith.
Quotes
• “War does not limit itself to boom-boom, to the battle itself. Wars are very, very complex phenomenons, because they have a source, and it takes a while to come up, then it happens, and there are consequences. I’m more interested in the why and the afterwards of the wars.”
• “My photography is a reflection, which comes to life in action and leads to meditation. Spontaneity – the suspended moment – intervenes during action, in the viewfinder.”
• “They say ‘courage’ — O.K., you have to be courageous. But for me, courage is a lack of imagination. You cannot imagine that it’s going to happen to you, therefore you go to the battle.”
• “The choice was to think of oneself either as a photojournalist or an artist. It wasn’t out of humility that I called myself a photojournalist, but arrogance. I thought photojournalism was superior.”
• “I ask questions, I don’t leave answers. My readers should look for their answers. I give them the evidence, I hope.”
Legacy and Influence
Abbas Attar left an indelible mark on the field of documentary photography. His work not only chronicled significant historical events but also provided deep insights into the human experience. His approach to photography as a form of storytelling has influenced many contemporary photographers who seek to go beyond mere documentation to tell compelling stories.
Photographers like James Nachtwey and Don McCullin, known for their work in conflict zones, share a similar commitment to capturing the human side of war and societal upheaval. Their images, like those of Abbas, compel viewers to confront the realities of the world and reflect on the broader implications of these events.
Abbas’s work continues to be celebrated and studied for its artistic and journalistic excellence. His legacy lives on through his extensive body of work and the countless photographers he has inspired.
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