Urban harmony: where nature and humanity intertwine

A photography exhibition by Md Abdulla Al Mamun

As an ex-student of the University of Portsmouth, it is with great pride and responsibility that I present my photography exhibition, Urban Harmony: Where Nature and Humanity Intertwine, at the University Library. This exhibition is not only a collection of images but a powerful message I feel compelled to share with the next generation — one that highlights the profound connection between humans, animals, and the natural world around us. As a photographer who has travelled to various cities across the globe, I have come to realize that this relationship is essential for the survival and health of our urban spaces.

Through my work as a travel, documentary photographer, I have had the opportunity to capture moments where humanity and nature intersect in the most unexpected and beautiful ways. In every corner of the world, there are stories unfolding that showcase the delicate balance between the concrete jungles we build and the natural world that continues to coexist alongside us.

I’ve photographed scenes of dogs adoring children in Dhaka, pigeons walking beside their companions in London, and cats finding comfort in the arms of booksellers in bustling city streets of Istanbul. These images serve as reminders of the unspoken bond between species, emphasizing that we, as humans, share the same space and responsibilities as the animals and nature that surround us. It is this connection that I wish to convey through my work, showing that our cities are not simply human-made; they are ecosystems where every living being plays an important role in creating a harmonious existence.

Nature, as I’ve come to learn, is not a backdrop to human life; it is the heartbeat of our cities. Without nature, our urban environments would cease to thrive. The air we breathe, the trees that provide shade, the animals that enrich our daily lives — all of these elements are essential in creating a sustainable, healthy urban environment. My photography captures moments where this truth is visually evident: moments where people, animals, and nature live in perfect harmony.

As someone who has lived and learned at the University of Portsmouth, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to raise awareness about the importance of this connection to the next generation. I want to share with students, faculty, and visitors that we are all participants in a greater urban symphony. We are all working together, whether we realize it or not, to ensure the future of our cities, our planet, and the creatures that inhabit it.

This exhibition, therefore, is more than just a display of beautiful photography; it is a call to action. We are living in a time when environmental challenges like climate change and global warming are increasingly pressing issues. It is up to us, as humans, to protect and preserve the balance that sustains our cities. Through compassion, mindfulness, and respect for the world around us, we can create cities where nature and humanity not only coexist but thrive together.

Urban Harmony: Where Nature and Humanity Intertwine is my humble contribution to this ongoing conversation. I hope it inspires viewers to think more deeply about the way we interact with nature and the importance of fostering kindness toward both humans and animals.

This exhibition will be open at the University of Portsmouth Library from 1st of February to 15th of March 2025. As a part of this community, I invite you to experience the beauty of our shared world and reflect on the role we all play in creating a more harmonious, sustainable future.

Let us come together to nurture the delicate balance between humanity and nature — for in this harmony lies the future of our cities.

~ Md Abdulla Al Mamun