Three Countries; One Focus is the title of the 2016 Annual Report of internationally renowned Pasha Bank. Such a high-arching statement was certainly justified, for Pasha Bank released an elegant and captivating report.
Photography was certainly the underlying focus of this annual report. As a multinational bank, Pasha highlighted its presence in the three countries of Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia with a photography exhibition, titled ArTriangle. The exhibition served as a cultural ‘bridge’, showcasing the rich vibrancy of life in each locale while simultaneously portraying their shared ambitions. The photographs have been captured within three culturally rich cities in each country – namely, Istanbul, Baku and Tbilisi.
The report’s photography is sublime, ranging from bright, full-colour imagery to tasteful monochromatic images. Iconic landmarks are presented (such as Istanbul’s Blue Mosque), along with more authentic glimpses of each city’s culture that a tourist might miss. The diversity in photographs –from romantic panoramas in soft afternoon light to avant-garde architecture in black-and-white– ensures that the report is not merely a visual travel guide, but a work of art.
One major criticism is that the photographs are veritably untitled, and it can be impossible for anyone, save a geography enthusiast, to recognise the various cultural landmarks being presented. Indeed, a rapid flick through the report would put the viewer at odds to identify which images are from which countries. Perhaps this ambiguity was intentional, as it could be a subtle reminder that despite the differences between the three locales, they can be similar as well.
