MANILA – On display until next week at the ground floor of SM Aura is an exhibit titled “Kuha ng Bobs!” featuring selected photos from master lensman Bob Razon taking viewers back in time to a bygone era when studio portraiture was a milestone event.
Carnival or beauty queens of the early 20th century serenely pose, as if granted immortality just by being captured for that moment by Razon. Radiant brides resplendent in their wedding finery, showbiz sirens still shimmering with sensuality–all from an analog age when a reputable photographer had to take your portrait, and it meant that you made it by dint of your position in society (or notoriety). Mostly done in black-and-white, the pocket exhibit is a refreshing reminder of the past–of far we have come technologically, and how far we still have to go artistically. We may have better tools now, but many of us definitely still have a long way to go before achieving Razon’s expertise.
