Members of the public can take a peek through the lens of Macau-based Portuguese documentary photographer Eduardo Leal in his ongoing exhibition “The Insider” at Casa Garden, with the event held as part of the programme for “June, Month of Portugal”.
Lasting through July 5 and curated by Macau artist Julia Lam Tsz Kwan, the solo exhibition at the Macau headquarters of the Lisbon-based Orient Foundation (Fundação Oriente), showcases Leal’s sharp eye for composition through a variety of scenes and locations across 34 photos in five themes.
This spans from photographing the pilgrims and Sadhus* (a holy person) in India, to Macau scenes with an interplay between light and shadows, to quiet and candid moments of forcados** (a member of a traditional Portuguese bullfighting team) from the Grupo de Forcados Amadores de Évora before going head to head with a bull.
Each photo on display was taken with what can be described as an insider’s perspective. In her curator’s statement, Lam describes Leal as deeply immersing himself in the places he documents, working from within as an insider, and therefore giving play to the exhibition’s title.
Lam noted that in all, the works reflect “the social complexities of survival and livelihood, truth and authenticity, trust and understanding. It opens public awareness through sensory perception and guides viewers connecting them into the real world”.
The Portuguese photographer works as a photo-correspondent for Agence France-Presse (AFP) and Bloomberg, extending coverage to Southeast Asia, according to his biography displayed at the venue.
A separate exhibition statement further elaborated that for nearly 20 years, his international footprint has extended from Macau and the Chinese mainland to across Europe, the Americas, with significant work in South America, and Southeast Asia. His core focus remains on regional issues, the environment, indigenous communities, and culture, the statement said.
Leal’s works, meanwhile, have been exhibited internationally from New York to Hong Kong, as well as published in The Washington Post, The Guardian, Time, Stern, and on CNN. Among the awards that he has garnered are from major competitions such as the “Sony World Photography Awards” and “POY Latin America”, which, according to its website, celebrates documentary photography in Latin America.
Members of the public may view the works from 10 a.m. through 7 p.m. from Tuesday through Sunday, being closed on Mondays.
*In Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, a Sadhu is a holy person, ascetic, or monk who has renounced worldly life to focus entirely on spiritual liberation (moksha). Sadhus can also be found in Nepal, though most are in India. - Gemini
**Literally meaning “pitchfork”.
Photos: Rui Pastorin
