A photograph by Rai (left); Raghu Rai (right). Photo Courtesy: Shehabuddin/ Drik/ Majority WorldJamil Mahmud
"They say a good photograph is worth a thousand words. But a thousand words can be a lot of noise. How about some silence -- a moment in space which is non-negotiable.”--Raghu Rai, Magnum Photos
As part of Drik's 20th anniversary celebration, a solo exhibition titled "India" featuring veteran Indian photographer Raghu Rai's works is being held at the Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts, Dhanmondi.
Noted economist Professor Anu Muhammad inaugurated the exhibition on September 7 via video-conferencing as he is currently hospitalised. Among others, director of Drik, Dr. Shahidul Alam and artist Dhali Al Mamoon were present at the inauguration.
Over 50 photographs -- both colour and black and white -- are on display at the exhibition. The images narrate individual stories, fragments of the vast Indian canvas. Sharing his views on the theme of the exhibition, Rai said, "The experience of India is horizontal, it doesn't begin from anywhere, nor does it end anywhere. It is the panoramic experience that allows me to photograph the throbbing of several energies on one given canvas."
Rai is considered the foremost photographer in India, excelling in social, political and cultural themes. He started professional photography in 1965 at the age of 23 and is a recipient of India's highest civilian award "Padmashree" (1971). He joined Magnum Photos in 1977.
Rai has specialised in extensive coverage of India over the last 18 years. He has produced 20 books, including "Raghu Rai's Delhi," "The Sikhs," "Taj Mahal," "Tibet in Exile," "Indira Gandhi" and "Mother Teresa."
"The emergence of the unseen and revelation of the unknown leaves me amazed! The experience becomes a 'Darshan.' What a country of mine!" said Rai.
The exhibition at Bengal Gallery is a chance to experience Rai's philosophy of photography, in particular aesthetics. It is also an opportunity to witness some spectacular moments immortalised by a master photographer.
Rai's photographs suggest that he has travelled almost every nook and corner of India. His kaleidoscope journey saw a group of wrestlers under the Howrah Bridge in Kolkata, as well as a boisterous Sikh wedding in Punjab. In between Rai's lens has captured moments in Rajasthan, Ahmedabad, Jaisalmer, Delhi, Kashmir and other places. Notably, his photos avoided the hustle and bustle of the metropolis, and depict the tranquil life outside city limits.
"I have tried to portray the multi-cultural India that is rather unfamiliar to viewers in other countries," said Rai at the inaugural of his Dhaka exhibition.
Rai also took part in an open forum on September 7 at Drik Gallery. He discussed on his latest book "Delhi in Contrasts and Confluences" and answered questions from the audience.
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