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Theertha International Artists Women Artists' Photography Residency 2011.
Dipti Desai
Souvenirs
Souvenirs is a series of images delving into the complex yet profound relationship that man shares with plants.
Plants, today, perhaps tell of man's longing, to unbelong from the spaces that he has created for himself.
Choosing to keep them close to him in environments as these, perhaps speak of the gratification he yearns for
Erna Dyanty
Pulau-roid
Upon my arrival in Colombo, I was first greeted by the construction of Sri Lanka's first Highway and rapid development. It was not surprising for me to see that Colombo is well set to become another one of Asia's new metropolis. I suppose development is unavoidable and it is a logical progression.
Based on the theme, "Urbanism", I was given a task to capture a series of photographs. Coming from Kuala Lumpur and having explored it as a theme in most of my previous works, I knew what I did not want to capture. As a visitor, my point of view of the country is limited to a rather cliched observation of an average tourist. Through my daily routines and observation, like most islands Sri Lanka still retains it's simplicity be it in it's people,food, architecture, culture and religion.
Captured in my polaroid glimpses — I hope I have captured the simplicity that is Sri Lanka. Although change is coming to this island, I hope some things will remain the same.
*Pulau means Island in Malay.
I am not like you
I am different in many ways
You are not like me
You are different in many ways
Yet we share the same fate
within an urban frame
When I first started photography about 3 years ago I always question my self can I experience the same freedom of doing a painting by doing photography? How Can I place the photography on the level of painting, sculpture, music, performing art and poetry? For me it employs the talent of intuitive vision. By translating concepts into the language of photography, it reflects the possible answers to these questions. Do I point my camera outwards to the existing world or turn it inward towards my soul? Am I taking photographs of existing reality, or creating my own world, so real but non existent. Results of these approaches are notably different and, in my opinion, conceptual and surreal which is quit evident in my photo essay. The belief engraved in some of our subconscious is that what was captured by the camera has to exist, and believe an obviously manipulated image is a trick that shows a lack of understanding of the unique power of photography. And I always question my self in a world of high technology with the development of DSLR cameras and digital post- processing software will you still believe in this thought? The technical aspect of my photo essay is the answer to the above question. I believe successfully manipulated image the question "Is it real?" does not arise because it has the power to go beyond the reality. It brings a thought into a reality. For me poor concept, perfectly executed, still makes a poor photograph. Trying to articulate the thoughts behind the work, and that task always brings to mind the Lewis Hine quote "If I could say it in words, I wouldn't need to photograph. So I wish that every viewer’s imagination becomes part of the photo essay as they add their own perspectives to the story of “Urban Life”.