THE number eight, or artha as it is pronounced in Sanskrit, assumes a different significance in various cultures but with auspicious overtones.
For the “Eight” exhibition, the meaning is straightforward. Eight photographers meet to present their artwork in an auspicious setting.

“Artha sounds almost like art. We
realised there were many things we
could do with the number eight.
“So there was a bit of play on the
word. Each of the eight
photographers produced strong
works, resulting in a successful visual
experience. Co-ordinating
something involving eight people is
not easy but we pulled it off,” said
Datin Shalini Amerasinghe
Ganendra, owner of The Private
Gallery in Kuala Lumpur where the
exhibtion is being held.
The photographers are Chan Kin
Wah, Nirmala Karuppiah, Alex Moh,
Eric Peris, Syed Zainal Rashid, S.C.
Shekar, Soraya Yusof Talismail and
Arthur Teng.
“Eric is the most senior while
Nirmala is the youngest. But in
terms of quality, they are both
equal,” said Shalini, adding that
each had his or her own style.
She added that although each
photographer was given total control
of his or her work, the only condition
was that the photos would have to
be in black and white.
“They had free rein on the theme.
What we have here are beautiful
pictures of landscapes, still-life,
close-ups, portraits, etc. They are quite
varied,” she said.
The photographs are on display
until June 8.
Call 03-7958-2175, e-mail
stag@tm.net.my or visit
www.theprivategallery.com.
Viewing is by appointment only.