September 14, 2010 – 6:50 pm
March 23, 2010 – 11:59 am
In January, I got the opportunity to photograph India’s most acclaimed performance artist Nikhil Chopra in Mumbai during his last performance piece in character of Yog Raj Chitrakar. It was a fascinating experience walking the streets of Mumbai, venturing through new parts along with a character as serene yet enchanting as Nikhil Chopra aka Yog Raj Chitrakar. He currently has a show entitled ‘Drum Solo a Live Performance’ and Yog Raj Chitrakar Memory Drawing Series Photographic and Video Works at Chatterjee & Lal Gallery and on display is one of my photographs, of which you can see below. It is a fantastic show, which truly showcases the breadth of his talent as a performance artist, and the beauty that lies within those very performances and on until the 9th of April.
My photograph of Nikhil Chopra on display at Chatterjee & Lal Gallery in Mumbai
An article released in this March’s issue of TIME Magazine, with a write-up on my cousin’s new gallery space in Mumbai titled Volte. Chosen for the piece is one of the photographs that I took of the gallery. Coincidentally the article adjacent to thehappens to be written by my friend Tim Kindseth, a beautiful piece on the poetry of Korean poet Ko Un, and his experiences of the Korean landscape, carved beautifully with imagery of history, culture and politics through his words. Attached here below, is the article with the image.
Article on Volte, March Issue of TIME Magazine
I am happy to announce that my photography has just been placed on display at Rang Mahal, a new Indian restaurant opened last month in Singapore. The photograph fits well into the theme of Indian celebration, in their private dining room which has suspended sitars and a wonderful long dining hall. My photography is also on their menus, and attached below is a picture showcasing the work on display
Private Dining Room, Rang Mahal Restaurant, Singapore
October 8, 2009 – 1:31 pm
I am proud to announce my first workshop taking place at the Nehru Centre at the end of October 2009. The workshop titled ‘The Art of Seeing‘ will encourage participants to broaden their viewscape, and try to see things from a fresh perspective. I am pleased to announce the first of my guest speakers, Danfung Dennis His Website Here, who will be speaking on the new developments in film with digital SLR’s as well as his work in Iraq and Afghanistan. I will continuously be updating this list, and sharing further information. Here below is the e-flier, please feel free to let people know more about it.
E-flier for my workshop
The international exhibition “Indian Art Forum” shows current positions of young second generation Asians, living in Germany, Great Britain, Egypt, Austria and the USA. They grew up with the rich background of both cultures, now using their creative potential in various artistic fields.
In 2006 Indian Vibes presented digital art created by British-Asians artists at Galerie station. 2007 Sandip Shah showed “Bombay Connection” at the b.k.i. So the idea came up to put together this show.
With the participation of Vinita Agarwal, Chiraag Bhakta, Karan Islania, Manoj Kallupurackal, Ashok Kapur, Sabahat Nawaz, Sandip Shah, Ruby Sircar, Shihab Vaippipadath.
Musicians Village I, Photograph copyrighted Vinita Agarwal
Rajasthan to me, is a musical delight. Music, and that too heartfelt and powerful, resonates in almost every region. Some seem to be deeply religious, some performance related, and others for the pure purpose of entertaining. There seems to be an inherent connection to music, with the people of Rajasthan; in their blood and in their soul. Different regions have different musical influences, linking directly to the need for expressing emotions and desires which for many years were surpressed due to rule and conquering over a vast period in history. Through my photographs I wanted to portray this character of music, which I encountered during a trip to a musicians village. The villagers expressed their need for proper resources to continue their legacy of singing and performing with instruments specific to the Rajasthani culture; a place where young talent can improve and learn what their forefathers sung and played for generations before them. Such establishments in such rural poor areas unfortunately do not exist making the future of such music slightly doubtful. The commercial aspect of performance, such as shows in hotels and concerts is still extremely popular however this remains conformed and restrictive. I feel that something needs to be done, to make sure that it continues, and that such powerful song and music, does not become transparent, like traces of dust in the wind of the desert. I hope that it continues to leave its mark. Please check my website for the full series.
