THREE isn’t a crowd in Tate Ghazi’s solo exhibition titled Triptych.
The exhiition is about displays of sets of three photographs which are to be appreciated as one.

Working solely with shapes and forms found in architecture and nature, each image finds its strength in threes.

By setting this body of work on different materials, Tate employs the texture of stainless steel, wood, aluminium and cement. The merging of surfaces with strong photography imagery brings the expression of contemporary photography to another dimension.

“It can be anything placed in three parts but has to be of a similar theme to tell a story,” explained Tate, who began his career in photography 10 years ago. “My subjects are mostly graphical. Artefacts are juxtaposed with industrial culture.”

The exhibition presents six series of photographs.

While photographs are conventionally printed on paper or canvases, Tate embosses his pictures on organic and non-organic materials.

“This brings life to an image. For example, a picture of a highway is printed on concrete and cement slabs to create a strong sense of realism.

“I had this idea from years of experimentation. I also saw someone printing photographs on similar materials and unlike typical photographs, this lent depth and meaning to the pictures.”

Tate started out as a fashion photographer but has found his “true love” in object/still photography.

“It’s sometimes difficult to work with people when they are camera-shy and I have to make them feel comfortable, which can be taxing sometimes.

“With still photography such as in Triptych, I can work in my own time and experiment with angles, shapes and lighting.”

While many photographs are personalised by their photographers, Tate’s works should be taken at face value.

“I don’t think I subconsciously emblazon my pictures with my personality because I believe it won’t work if you’re doing it deliberately or are trying too hard.”

He hopes to use his photography experience to further his career in film directing. “I’m also directing commercials and hope to do movies soon.”

Triptych is being held until May 31 at The Photographers’ Gallery at Starhill Gallery in Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. Viewing hours: 10.30am-9.30pm daily. Admission is free. Call 03-2145-2434/03-2145-2430.