TAPU JAVERI: THE MASTER OF FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY
From Archaeology To Aperture
By: Sidfa Ilyas & Maham Jamil
By: Sidfa Ilyas & Maham Jamil
Tapu Javeri journey to becoming a renowned photographer wasn’t a straight shot. Though he holds a Master’s in Archaeology, his passion for capturing the world through a lens began much earlier, at the tender age of nine. By 15, his work was already being published in newspapers.
While attending college in New York City, Javeri found himself drawn to Archaeology, a subject that resonated with his experience as a Pakistani living abroad. The cultural complexities of his surroundings, from fellow Pakistani immigrants to completely new ethnicities, fueled his curiosity. While initially taking Archaeology as a requirement, it soon blossomed into his major, with photography remaining a constant companion as a minor.
Tapu Javeri didn’t begin his career with a passion for fashion. His interest resided in portraiture, but fashion photography offered a more accessible entry point. Friends’ encouragement and the nascent fashion scene in Pakistan at the time nudged him in this direction. However, he emphasises that fashion photography, for him, is merely an extension of capturing captivating portraits.
The interview delves into his early experiences, including his first fashion shoot with an unknown model discovered through ‘word-of-mouth’. He highlights the importance of pushing boundaries and constantly evolving one’s visual style. An exhibition titled “Guru” is mentioned, showcasing his work alongside fellow photographer Arif Mehmood. This project served to emphasise the unique perspectives each photographer brings to their subjects.
Javeri acknowledges his recognition within the Pakistani fashion industry but avoids mentioning specifics. He also hosted a show named “Miss Veet Pakistan” in 2012. He seems more focused on the contribution he and Arif Mehmood made to fashion photography in Pakistan. They were pioneers in taking fashion photography out of the studio and onto the streets, creating a more dynamic and natural aesthetic.
Javeri recounts some of the notable personalities he has photographed throughout his career, including actresses Rani and Madame Noor Jehan. A particularly interesting encounter involved Shah Rukh Khan. Despite the hectic circumstances and limited time for the shoot, Javeri managed to capture the desired images. He also received a surprising token of appreciation later.
Tapu Javeri describes his participation in the “Where Three Dreams Cross” exhibition, a landmark event showcasing art from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. Initially underestimated, Pakistan’s artistic contribution, largely due to Javeri’s work, surprised the curators and earned them a dedicated floor in the exhibition. This marked a turning point, introducing the West to Pakistan’s vibrant art scene.
The interview explores Javeri’s deep connection with Karachi. He details two exhibitions, “Kulachi Scope” and “Kala Chakra,” that pay homage to the city. “Kulachi Scope” utilised photomontage techniques to showcase hidden aspects of Karachi and offer new perspectives on familiar spaces. “Kala Chakra” aimed to capture the city’s essence through a metaphorical chakra formed by the images. These exhibitions highlight Javeri’s artistic vision and his ability to tell stories through his lens.
The interview concludes with a discussion of Javeri’s first solo exhibition in 1997. This exhibition showcased his “photo-multiplied art,” a unique concept that blended painting and photography. Javeri describes his desire to push the boundaries of traditional artistic practices and cites his inspiration from earlier artists who experimented with combining photographs with paint. The interview ends with a glimpse into the creative process behind this exhibition.
This excerpt paints a well-rounded picture of Tapu Javeri—a photographer, artist, and cultural ambassador who has left an undeniable mark on the world. His unwavering passion for his craft, his willingness to experiment, and his dedication to showcasing Pakistan’s artistic merit continue to inspire.
