The ‘Sacred’ unveiled in Strasbourg

Posted by on Thursday, June 6th, 2013

The recent capture of the ‘Living Heritage’ Duo – Strasbourg and Udaipur commenced with a momentum in Strasbourg on 22nd May 2013. The photographic works of the two photographers, Albert Huber from Strasbourg and Anuradha Sarup from Udaipur were put together under the title ‘Seeking the Sacred’ and is attracting more eyeballs each day.

Albert Huber, a veteran photographer, has dedicated 50 years to capturing humanity across European countries, North Africa, USA and the Pacific islands. At the inaugural of this month-long exhibition, he said, “These 40 photographs on display are examples of how we are united by our sacred geography. My photographic eye, my mind and soul were captured by the sights and sounds of Udaipur and Rajasthan.” The inaugural ceremony was attended by Roland Ries, Mayor of Strasbourg and received with much appreciation.

Anuradha Sarup, who has been photographing Udaipur since 2001-02 as a resource person with Maharana Mewar Charitable Foundation observed, “Both Strasbourg and Udaipur are so distinct in their character – one being an ancient European settlement while Udaipur is a 450-year old city built by the Maharanas of Mewar – yet the spirit of the past is very alive in both these heritage cities. It was a challenge for me to capture the ‘sacred’ through the historical, cultural and religious identities of its people. Like Udaipur, Strasbourg has a ‘living heritage’. The city and its people have adapted beautifully to changing times. Quite appropriately the two are ‘Twin Cities’. I was delighted to experience the warmth of Udaipur’s Atithi Devo Bhava in the hospitality and affection of the people of Strasbourg.”

An eye on the horizon

Udaipur and Strasbourg are now ‘Twin Cities’ committed to foster heritage-based sustainable development through community participation, conservation of cultural and natural resources and revenue generating activities for the locals.

Dr. Mayank Gupta, Deputy Secretary of Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation which has been the moving force behind the Joint Cooperation Agreement said, “At MMCF we are confident that the photo-exhibition will open new avenues of understanding between the people of our two cities. It will provide access to various artists of different faiths while inspiring art, stimulating international research and digital knowledge exchange. We will make all attempts, when the photo-exhibition moves to India, to take it to the people. We strongly believe in the concept of ‘living heritage’, and ‘Seeking the Sacred – Photographic Exhibition (Viewpoints – Strasbourg – Udaipur)’ demonstrates the unifying strength of living heritage in Udaipur and across the world.”

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