Photography – Drawing with Light.
Happy Diwali !!!!!!
My photograph got selected for an online Exhibition, that starts Today. It’s by an organisation called “Kalanirvana” – Literally means – Nirvana through Art. It’s an apt description for how my life has been, especially as this 2020 ..comes to a close.
The word “photography” literally means “drawing with light”. The word was supposedly first coined by the British scientist Sir John Herschel in 1839 from the Greek words phos meaning “light”, and Graphê meaning “drawing or writing”.
How synchronous I think – that this exhibition happens Today on Diwali day. ( A Celebration Of Lights)
Photography as an Art ….my Diwali morning Musings…
Since early 1800’s It has struggled to take its place as an art form. I guess words and descriptions have more of a role than what we may want to believe… I have often cringed at the words associated with photography.. …He “captured this”, took a “Shot”…”Framed it”..etc. ….and have always felt, why do we have such words for something that was so much more…..but then I guess it tells me about my sense and need for freedom.
..and so it reveals..and communicates.
It’s not simply “Capturing” , as it was thought of and often referred to…but also set the “moment” free for eternity. To be seen, explored perceived differently ..across time. I have found photographs captivating. They are so many things at once… They are like a visual journal and a crystal ball of sorts.. One can see what was, is, and is possible to be. And so It evokes, like many other art forms..deep emotions..and an impetus for movement.
Photography makes Dreaming possible. And solely by that act…it bridges the gaps..even ones we did not know existed.
Two aspect of this are especially important for me…
The journey of photography is as much rewarding as the actual photographs. I learn so much through the various ways a picture is perceived and seen. And in some ways it tells me about parts of me..I had not been able to see…because like any other art form this is autobiographical. And so it helps me explore myself.. I see myself through so many eyes.
The Second, the instant transformation when one “Sees” his//her picture and sees what they had not yet seen, aspects of themselves that were now visible… that moment ..of recognition..and feeling of being seen… is a blessing. (I have often heard people say..I wish I could see myself through your eyes) – I wish that too.
And….
Between these two Moments..I don’t know where I end and the other Begins.
