Description Shanty Town in Cape Town, South AfricaA typical homestead in a shanty town. Being given the opportunity to see how the people of this town live was such an incredible experience. They are humble, real, satisfied, good natured, and above all else, they are happy with what they have. They do not ask for more, they live for the moment, for each other and have a sense of peace about them that I have not encountered with anyone in the western world before. There is no danger here, despite being warned about going into a place like this, we were only greeted with acceptance.It would be so easy for them to dislike us for living better lives, invading their spaces, treating them as an attraction. All we were faced with were smiles and a want to talk to and learn from us.Truly one of the most amazing experiences of my life.Taken from inside a bus, traveling at around 15km/h, camera lens pressing up against the glass, sun behind me, thankfully.
Andrew Paranavitana, Melbourne Member Since November 2010 Artist Statement My work often takes two avenues of theme: a darker, sometimes scary world of unseen nightmares, and a nostalgic playground of warm memories, much safer and happier than the former.
I have always looked further than traditional methods of photography. Digital manipulation has allowed me to communicate and share my view of the world. I have a need to lace my work with elements of obscure visions and deliver a piece the viewer can connect with on multiple levels.
There is one general thing to remember with photographic art: Look Up. You miss so much at eye level only.
..Andrew Paranavitana is an independent photographic artist. His driving passion for photography began in 1994. Andrew’s vision today is to capture the world as we know it, and present it in a way that we may not..