Two Girls at a Stone Bollard

This black and white photograph captures a moment of quiet introspection shared between two young girls. The composition is anchored by a solid, textured stone bollard, against which an older girl leans, her back to the viewer. Beside her, a younger child gazes downward, her small hands clutching a water bottle. The artist employs a shallow depth of field, dissolving the background into a soft abstraction of movement and light, which serves to isolate the subjects and amplify the intimacy of their shared pause. The monochrome palette emphasizes the interplay of textures—the soft fabric of their clothing, the sleekness of their hair, and the rough, weathered surface of the concrete—creating a rich tactile quality.

The scene, captured by the photographer Nasrul in the summer of 2025, is a masterful study in stillness and emotion. The soft, diffused lighting gently models the children’s forms, suggesting a moment found within the larger, unseen context of a bustling day. The image transcends simple documentation, becoming a contemplative piece about the private worlds we inhabit, even in public spaces. The focus on the younger girl’s contemplative expression invites the viewer to ponder her thoughts, creating a powerful emotional connection.

This work is a profound reflection of the artist’s career-long exploration of the human condition and his dedication to capturing what he terms the “echoes of emotion.” Consistent with his celebrated documentary projects, the photograph dignifies its subjects, finding universal truth and serene beauty in a fleeting, ordinary moment. It is a testament to the photographer’s unique ability to transform a candid observation into a timeless and deeply resonant visual story.