“They say that one photo is worth a thousand words. For me, 1,000 photos are worth one word: Cyprus.” And with this sweeping statement the captivatingly outspoken Doros Partasides sets out down memory lane, reciting animated tales about his life long “girlfriend” and all the things they have seen together in his beloved country.
His girlfriend is his treasured camera, and this well-known British Cypriot photographer makes it crystal clear from the moment we shake hands that he couldn’t live a single day without her.
Having come a long way since the days he started off working as a cinematographer at the Cyprus Broadcasting Cooperation back in 1966, a unique exhibition of 40 of his photographs taken over the years are about to go on show at the European Parliament in Brussels. The exhibition, Faces of Cyprus, will be on display from tomorrow until Friday to mark the 50th anniversary of Cyprus’ independence.
Featuring the best 40 pictures from his Faces of Cyprus book, published last October, crowds will have the chance to glimpse characters from all wal
ks of life that have captured his attention. The trademark image of the exhibition – which also graces the front cover of his hardback – is one of a local smiling shepherd. But why does this portrait set itself apart from the rest?
“It was just after the 1974 invasion and I was taking pictures in the Lakatamia cemetery,” Doros recalls. “Suddenly this charming old shepherd shouted out saying ‘hey my friend, aren’t I good enough for a picture?’ He certainly was great and now I see him as a truly pure Cypriot showing the wisdom of the old.” Full of little anecdotes that go with every photo, it turns out that the one that is most dear to him is also the oldest in his collection.
“It dates back to 1968 and is a portrait of my mother Irine. I hurried home and took it as soon as my wife bought me my first SLR camera,” he explains. Soon after this first shot he was taking pictures all over Cyprus; from family snaps to the faces of perfect strangers who he describes as “happy characters leading peaceful lives with broad smiles and striking Byzantine beauty.”
But when questioned about his favourite image, his mind goes back to a day in the Troodos mountains. “It has to be one of Archbishop Makarios perched on a rock and very relaxed out in nature.” This was also the picture used by The Observer in the Archbishop’s 1977 obituary. And this is just one of Doros’ many works that have made it into the British press, with both The Guardian and The Sunday Times having used his images to document the horrific aftermath of the invasion.
Having left Cyprus to settle in London after 1974, Doros continued to work as a photographer. While fashion, adverts and social shots took up much of his time, he has always pursued an interest in the Cyprus cause. “To most foreigners statistics about refugees mean absolutely nothing. But if you tell them a personal story or show them a real picture it touches them in a different way,” he says.
With his first London exhibition taking place at Covent Garden’s acclaimed Photographers’ Gallery in the late 70s, over 2,000 people passed through to catch a glimpse of his works entitled Cyprus 1974: Days of Disaster. He then went on to produce a handful of documentaries with Channel 4 on the repercussions of the invasion coupled with work around the world for CyBC continued.
“I would always come back to Cyprus to take pictures with every chance I was given,” he says. But following several exhibitions focusing on the devastation and loss of heritage in relation to Cypriot churches, Doros felt he had to move on. “I just love the people of Cyprus. Artists, farmers, priests, teachers; they all have their individual stories to tell.” After collecting an enormous archive over the years including pictures of Turkish Cypriots going about their daily lives, publishing them was the natural next step.
“During my time putting this collection together I’ve been honoured to meet the real people of Cyprus. They are warm and hospitable, engaging, funny and true. I didn’t take these pictures with just my camera but with my head and heart too,” he says. “I don’t like taking pictures without the subject knowing. I’m friendly, gain their trust and tell them the reason I’m taking the pictures. When I take my portraits I always tell my subject not to look at the lens but into the lens. This brings them closer to me and the viewer.”
Speaking of viewers, conversation turns to the approximate 5,000 people that will be passing his current exhibition at the European Parliament. Having approached Cypriot Conservative MEP Marina Yannakoudakis with the idea for this exhibition last year, Doros soon gained Europe wide support for a show he now feels very proud to present. “I think it’s a unique presentation of the real Cypriot, either as a close up or within their wider environment. These people need our attention for the country as a whole to finally be reunited.”
At this point attention turns to the back cover of his recent publication: a young child holding a candle at Easter midnight mass. “The old shepherd at the front might show the wisdom of the old but the young boy is hope for the future.” Now set to communicate this hope to the rest of Europe, Doros doesn’t hesitate for a second when asked about what makes a good photographer. “Patience, time, and above all you need to be a good creator,” he replies. “After all, everyone can take pictures.”
Faces of Cyprus is available from all major bookshops island wide for €42
