PHOTOFILE | ESSAY
TRANSFORMATIVE VISIONS
PIONEERING ARTISTS AND THE EVOLUTION OF INDIAN CONCEPTUAL PHOTOGRAPHY
In the realm of Indian photography, a remarkable wave of innovation emerged as visionary artists such as Vivian Sundaram, Pushpamala N, Sheba Chhachhi, and Dayanita Singh, boldly challenged traditional notions, pushing the boundaries of the medium itself. Through their thought-provoking and boundary-breaking work, they have not only transformed the landscape of Indian Conceptual Photography but have also left an indelible mark on the global art scene. Their exceptional contributions have ignited conversations, expanded horizons, and enriched the artistic tapestry of India, capturing the essence of a nation in constant flux. These pioneering artists beckon us to delve into their captivating visual narratives, compelling us to question, reflect, and reimagine the power of photography as a potent vehicle for storytelling and social commentary.
Vivan Sundaram’s (1943-2023), art journey has been characterised by a dynamic and multidisciplinary approach, spanning photography, sculpture, installation, and painting. Sundaram comes from a family of esteemed artists, which has deeply influenced his artistic sensibilities. Over the years, he has delved into sociopolitical themes, examining issues such as colonialism, globalization, and the complexities of urban life. Sundaram's artistic style is marked by a conceptual rigor that combines visual aesthetics with profound intellectual engagement. He seamlessly incorporates photography into his larger installations and site-specific works, blurring the boundaries between mediums. His use of collage, digital manipulation, and innovative techniques adds layers of depth and meaning to his artistic expressions. Throughout his journey, Sundaram has continuously explored the interplay between different forms of expression, challenging conventional notions of art and its presentation. His work often sparks conversations around authorship, artistic identity, and the construction of narratives. Sundaram's thought-provoking imagery, coupled with his conceptual and experimental approach, has established him as a significant figure in contemporary Indian art which is well visible in his “Re-take of Amrita” series. Amrita Sher-Gil, Sundaram's aunt, was a celebrated modernist painter whose legacy was elevated to myth status following her untimely death. Sundaram never met his aunt. This series deals with the combined trauma of Amrita's death and his mother's suicide, which keeps coming back to torment Sundaram. The term "Re-take" refers to the process of making changes to an image by repeating the procedure. These reenactments, made possible by modern technology, provide Sundaram with fresh opportunity to explore the unhealed scars and repressed desires that exist inside the lives of this affluent, multifaceted, and globally-minded Indian family. Sundaram's "Re-take" of family memories reveals a complicated network of relationships, places, and familial dynamics. Sundaram retells his biography via ghosts and visions in a unique novel where reality and fancy meet.
In contrast to Vivan Sundram’s work, Pushpamala N has distinguished herself by her creative and thought-provoking approach to performance art and photography. Born in 1956 in Bangalore, India, she has emerged as a prominent figure in the contemporary art scene, known for her captivating and intellectually charged works. Pushpamala N's artistic style revolves around themes of gender, identity, mythology, and the representation of women in Indian society. She skilfully employs self-portraiture and role-playing to challenge established narratives and subvert traditional gender roles, infusing her photographs with a theatrical quality that draws inspiration from cinema, literature, and art history.
Her groundbreaking series, such as "The Ethnographic Series" and "Native Women of South India: Manners and Customs," confront the colonial gaze, deconstruct stereotypes, and question power dynamics in ethnographic photography. Through her work, Pushpamala N interrogates the construction of identity and reclaims agency over the representation of Indian women. Blurring the boundaries between photography and performance art, Pushpamala N collaborates with other artists to create immersive installations and video works. Her art challenges conventional notions of identity, representation, and cultural history, inspiring dialogue about gender, power, and the complexities of contemporary society.
The India Foundation for the Arts (IFA) supported the documentary Native Women of South India: Manners and Customs (2004), produced in collaboration with Claire Arni and she made to investigate the role of ethnographic photography as a colonial instrument, focusing on the nexus between caste and race. Pushpamala questioned the aesthetic stereotypes of the colonial gaze by dressing up as colonial subjects and playing out their oppression. To critique the colonial regime's preoccupation with categorisation, the initiative flipped the subject-object connection by placing the local informant front and center.
Similarly, the renowned Indian artist Sheba Chhachhi (born 1958) is recognised for her diverse artistic practice encompassing photography, installation, video, and mixed media. Her artistic style is characterized by thought-provoking imagery that challenges societal norms and narratives. Chhachhi's photography explores themes such as gender, body politics, ecology, and memory, employing visual strategies that are both visually striking and conceptually rich. Through fragmentation, distortion, and juxtaposition, she pushes the boundaries of conventional representation, inviting critical reflection and questioning of established ideals. Her installations and mixed media elements create immersive environments that engage viewers on multiple sensory levels, expanding the traditional limits of photographic display. Beyond her art, Chhachhi is actively involved in social advocacy and activism, collaborating with marginalized communities and grassroots organisations. Her powerful imagery and commitment to social change highlight the transformative potential of art. Chhachhi's work continues to provoke meaningful dialogue and challenge dominant narratives, solidifying her position as a prominent figure in contemporary Indian art.
The black-and-white documentary pictures and staged collaboration portraits are not in chronological sequence. Multiple versions of the same appear at various constellation nodes, much to how memories develop. Each viewer's own annotation is crafted from the video projection's thick layering of images and subtitles, which comment on, conflict with, or syncopate with the visuals in non-linear, surprising ways. “Record/Resist”, 2012 is a personal account of her involvement in India's women's movement as a photographer and activist. Meanings, disagreements, and individual perspectives on collective resistance are all explored. Physical artefacts are on display to illustrate the reciprocal relationships between artist, model, viewer, and artwork.
Just like Sheba Chhachi, artist Dayanita Singh (born in 1961) is well-known for her personal and unconventional style of photography. Being a contemporary Indian photographer, through her exploration of memory, identity, and personal narratives, Singh pushes the boundaries of the medium. Her photographs capture moments of solitude, contemplation, and introspection, inviting viewers to delve into deeper emotions and meanings. Singh examines the tension between public and private spaces by photographing the interiors of people's homes in India, evoking both physical environments and intangible emotions. Singh's innovative display methods, such as creating mobile museums called "museums in a box," challenge traditional exhibition norms and offer unconventional engagement with her photographs. Along with this she explores correspondence and relationships through photographs of letters and personal belongings, blurring the lines between personal and universal experiences. Singh's photography has been exhibited worldwide and she is known for her unique approach to bookmaking, combining photographs, texts, and design elements. Her work inspires and challenges the boundaries of photography, presenting fresh perspectives on personal storytelling and human connections.
One of Singh's more recent creations is “Mona Montages”, 2021 (Mona in the archive). It is made up of 11 collages made from photos and historical documents and may be seen as a memorial to Mona Ahmed, who has been a significant role in Singh's life since 1989, serving as both a close friend and an inspiration. By designing her own open-access 'museums' in the shape of installations or publications, Dayanita Singh disrupts the traditional method of exhibiting photography. Although Singh's pictures appear to have a life of their own, she methodically arranges them into lyrical dramas with themes and connotations, much like a talented composer.
In a world where visual storytelling takes on ever more significant roles, these pioneering photographers have played a vital role in stimulating dialogues and encouraging viewers to question, introspect, and empathise. Their photographs continue to echo with meaning, inviting us to engage in contemplation and reflection. They have not only redefined Indian photography but have also contributed to the broader conversation surrounding conceptual art, cultural heritage, and societal change.