Like a painting...

Over the years, there has been a constant debate of which is greater than the other, paintings or photographs and some have even argued that photography is too mechanical to ever represent the grand concept of "art". Through time, both the forms of art have challenged, resisted, and is being influenced by the other. The relationship between fine art and photography was once a competition but now has turned into a common alliance of vision, which is evident from the exhibits today. Photographers have taken influence from fine-art works over the years for inspiration and vice versa. Whilst some of the images are direct references from masterpieces, others the sources of inspiration are subtler, even subjective.

The Courgette

My fascination for fine art and familiarity of Raja Ravi Varma's work intrigued me about his paintings. In the 18th century, he was the first artist to adapt Indian subjects, styles and themes using techniques of European academic arts. This painter prince was the first Indian artist to master perspectives and also the use of the oil medium. (Chawla 2010) The admiration for my culture portrayed in his paintings made me explore more of his work. In the 18th  century, fine art had a hint of imagination blended to give the surrealistic portrayal of beauty, which is seen in Raja Ravi Varma’s work.

The Reclining Nair Lady

Raja Ravi Varma's paintings played a key role for my fascination with art while growing up as a child. I grew up seeing his paintings on the wall of the house, for many many years, it was probably the first thing I saw the as soon as I entered home. On a very subconscious level, I think they played a very integral part in my life. These photographs represent a part of me as I connect to it at a personal level. Since childhood, I’ve always been in awe of Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings, especially his portrayal of women. I never imagined myself to take up this project, but when in London I realised that it was important for me to take my cultural background and everything that made me who I am today into photography. 

'Like a painting...', the Raja Ravi Varma series was exhibited as a part a 'Root Eleven' at 'The Rag Factory' gallery in London from the 17th to the 20th of June 2016.

The Maharashtrian Lady

The magic and allure of Ravi Varma’s paintings are one  the reasons his paintings are perceived as unforgettable. His women radiate a soft beauty combined with inner strength and intelligence that go beyond the beauty of the exterior and I picture myself to be one. These photographs are a result of my love for his work which will continue.