FOR Varun Baker, the world is his oyster. For him there is something interesting at every twist and turn along the road of life and that’s where his camera comes in handy, capturing these moments.

The young photographer is justly proud of his first solo exhibition currently hanging at Kingston’s Bolivar Gallery.

The exhibit comprises 13 photographs which offer a snapshot of Baker’s view of the world he has seen. His world view seems to have been formed from birth — the son of an Indian mother and Jamaican father. He was born in Brazil, but has since lived in Jamaica, Italy, the USA, Canada, and Bermuda. Therefore, what comes across through his lens is a keen appreciation of peoples and their cultures.

The material chosen for the his solo debut is taken from his travels through communist-strong Cuba; culture-rich Brazil and his home base Jamaica. Baker tells the Sunday Observer: “These three countries are part of my own personal journey and the work here reflects that. Each country comes with its own distinct and diverse characteristics; yet at the same time there are such strong similarities which draw them together.”

The works on show have a strong human element as the photographer explains. “People are all connected, even though we may come from different lands and ethnicities; we are all human and at the end of the day, that’s all that should matter.”

Among his arresting human interest pieces on show is Emilio. This strong black and white portrait captures a proud Cuban, whose facial lines and wrinkles tell the story of the revolution in that country; his eyes deep, dark pools of knowledge and history. This shot was taken during the 50th anniversary celebrations of the revolution in Cuba, which makes it even more special for Baker.

Cuban culture comes alive in Lady Blanca. It is another striking black and white print whose subject is a señora dancing on a Havana street with a giant cigar in hand. Again, this piece captures what is a typical scene in Cuba, but with a sensibility that makes it art — a feature of Baker’s work.

The majority of the Jamaican pieces are landscapes and seascapes. Sky Level, shot at Noel Coward’s Firefly in St Mary, is a favourite of the photographer. He notes that he was truly captured by the natural beauty of the spot. This resulted in two pieces in the exhibition taken at this location.

Having been born in Brazil, that South American nation factors highly in the works; from the samba-driven rhythms of the people, to the street of Rio’s favelas. Baker’s eyes and lens capture the flavour of this rainbow nation.

The works are presented in varying sizes and utilise various media, including canvas, which brings the work to life.

Judging by the number of red dots around the gallery, photography and art enthusiasts are loving the work of Varun Baker, as they should.