Elegant visual narratives

The ‘Indian Photography Festival’ is an annual event that celebrates the glory of the art. The event that showcases the masterpieces of many eminent photographers from around the world is being held at various venues in the city. Founder and Director of IPF, Aquin Mathews, a noted Hyderabad-based photographer, shares what inspired him to start the event, 

“Everyone is a photographer these days and I was inspired to create a platform to appreciate, question and debate the medium of photography. I wanted to make photography more accessible through a diverse programme of exhibitions, talks, venues and events and reach audiences who might not normally attend such events. I strongly believe in the power of photography as it can change the attitude of society towards many social issues. The festival is growing and this is the fourth year. The celebration is going to extend into a month of shows and events at multiple venues, which include public spaces and galleries,” he says. The present edition showcases the works of photographers from 52 countries and an exquisite set of 20 speakers from diverse backgrounds. Perhaps the best part about the festival is that it hasn’t left out the local shutterbugs. 

Contradictory emotions: Aman Sharma’s photograph captures a priceless moment shared between a father and daughter

Local photographer Aman Sharma’s photograph has been selected for the portrait prize award (second award). He has managed to capture a priceless moment shared between a father and daughter. The father, probably disturbed by some obstacles, looks burdened and glum while the small child, unaware of the harsh realities of life, is carefree and happy. The contradictory emotions enhance the allegorical value of the photograph.

Destitute: Prabhakar Kusuma’s black and white photographs unveil the silence and void that encompass people affected by intellectual disability

Prabhakar Kusuma is a local photographer who was recently awarded the prestigious scholarship from Royal Photographic Society, United Kingdom. His works from the series titled Destitute are on display. The black and white photographs unveil the silence and void that encompass people affected by intellectual disability. The photographer explains, “These photographs were clicked at a shelter for mentally challenged people at Warangal. It is amazing how I was able to connect to them emotionally and capture their natural stances and attitudes. These were clicked 25 years ago when on my birthday, I decided to spend some time there. I ended up clicking many pictures for eight months at a stretch.”

Meanwhile, the pictures clicked by another Hyderabad-based photographer Prudhvi Chowdhary are based on his interactions and explorations of varied natural terrains. One outstanding frame is of a 92-year-old priest who has been serving at a temple at Hampi since he was eight. While talking about his thoughtful clicks of the Buddha statue at Hussain Sagar and the exquisite picture of the Charminar on the Eid, he says, “These are emblems of the city and yet I wanted to portray them in a new light and stance.” The image of the Charminar surrounded by bright, fluorescent lights of moving traffic and stalls makes for a delightful visual experience.