Munem Wasif

Munem Wasif is an eminent documentary photographer in Bangladesh. Wasif’s stark black & white photography investigates complex social and political issues with a traditional, humanistic language, by getting close to the people, physically and psychologically, dealing with multiple questions and contradictions. Expressionistic in style and long-term in method, Wasif often experiments beyond the tradition, tests the possibilities of fiction, by borrowing a familiar documentary language. His interest is often on the concept of ‘documents’ and ‘archives’ and it’s influence on addressing politically and geographically complex issues. Teaching and collaborating with a new generation artists and curating experimental works is an organic and integral part of his own personal works, which keeps him on the edge of experimenting and extending the mediums, including video and sound.
Wasif won ‘Bengal Practice Grant’ (2015), ‘City of Perpignan Young Reporter’s Award’ (2008) at Visa pour l’image. Prixpictet commission (2009), F25 award for concerned photography from Fabrica (2008), Joop Swart Masterclass (2007). His photographs have been published in Le Monde, Sunday Times Magazine, Geo, Guardian, Politiken, Mare, Du, Days Japan, L’espresso, Libération, Wall Street Journal and many others. He had exhibitions worldwide including, Musee de elysee & Fotomuseam Winterthur in Switzerland, Kunsthal museum & Noordelicht festival in Netherlands, Angkor Photo festival & Photo Phonm Phen in Cambodia, Whitechappel Gallery in England, Palais de Tokyo & Visa pour l’image in France and Chobimela in Bangladesh.
Since 2008, he is represented by Agence Vu in Paris. He was one of the curators of Chobimela VII, International Festival of Photography.