What’s a wedding without a dirtbike doughnut? Hark1karan’s best photograph
As a Londoner with Punjabi roots, I’d say one of the best places to experience Punjabi culture is Southall, in west London, which has one of the UK’s largest Punjabi communities. This was taken there back in March 2021, when I was looking for people to feature in my short documentary, Zimmers of Southall. I like to capture everyday people doing something a little different, like these two brothers who fix cars. I had popped by to meet one of them and explain what I do, and take a few portraits for my broader work.
Rav, one of the brothers, had a dirt bike at the time and we were trying to photograph him doing a wheelie. The second brother, Inderjit, then joined and showed me his quad bike that he uses for off-road riding. Their father was at home and explained how his passion for bikes and cars was passed down to the boys. Their mother offered me tea and snacks, as often happens when visiting a Punjabi family home. It’s at that moment I suggested we get the whole family involved in a group photo – I knew it would make for something unique. Unfortunately, the third brother was not around, but their dad wheeled out his own bike to complete a beautiful family portrait. It felt natural and not forced at all – the energy was warm and welcoming. Ever since that day, I’ve stayed in touch with the family and try to visit when possible.
I’ve been back a few times to photograph them. There’s a picture in the Zimmers of Southall book of the same brothers on the day of the youngest’s wedding, with two motorbikes, their BMW in the middle and a lot of smoke – they’d just been doing doughnuts and burnouts at eight in the morning. Cars and bikes are a big part of their lives. I didn’t know anything about classic BMWs, but capturing their passion was a great way to showcase the Southall community. The title came from something I saw at a classic car show while we were filming. I noticed one car with a sticker saying: “Zimmers.” I think it’s a nickname for BMWs rather than “Beamers”.
Through projects like this, I feel as if I’m capturing an ongoing family album of the Punjabi and Sikh community. I think it’s important to showcase a part of British life that often goes unseen. My first book, Pind, came from a similar desire to understand where I come from and the culture around me. For that project, I went back to Punjab, India, to document rural life for the diaspora who may not have had the opportunity to experience it themselves.
Regardless of my subject, I always take the same approach. I am usually part of the photograph in some way, in terms of culture, locality or activity. Part of my process is to meet people and build trust, and ask myself why I am creating this photo and how it implicates the subject. This allows me to take responsibility for what I capture. This honesty is felt in the stories and photos I put out.
The aim has always been to unite people through photography, while balancing difference. Most recently, I’ve been documenting a Sikh family in west London, following their daily life. I am trying to show that, even if someone looks different or practises a different way of life, they’re still just normal people doing relatable things. Going to work, playing football, family time – just with a slight twist. The family dynamic is still there.
Hark1karan’s CV
Born: London, 1987
High point: Releasing seven self-published books and three short documentaries as a self-taught and independent artist. And most importantly, making a difference to the people who have connected with my work.
Top tip: Always seek to create personal work. This will give you the freedom and independence to be your true self. I’m a London born and bred community photographer and artist documenting life in London and the UK. Much of my work has a focus on Punjabi and Sikh communities. I also paint and make short films. Nearly all of my photography is captured on film, my preferred medium, which allows me to slow down and photograph with intention.
Reporting from The Guardian contributed to this story.
