A CHRONICLER OF CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE
FOREVER DELHI: A series of black and white photographs by Shalini Passi, is a fund-raising exhibition for COVID-19 Relief.
Whilst looking at the scenes of Delhi, with its tall buildings, stately monuments and even its quiet or mundane locations, only interrupted by the flight of pigeons, or the stray dog, one is instantly reminded of the photographs taken by French documentary photographer Eugene Atget (1857-1927). Atget was a pioneer of documentary photography, noted for his determination to document all of the architecture and street scenes of Paris before their disappearance to modernization.
In many ways what Shalini Passi has done in FOREVER DELHI: A series of black and white photographs, is similar. Here her intention is to capture and keep alive the city where she grew up, was educated in and began to love art.
“I was born in Delhi. I lived and studied here. Delhi’s architecture has always been an inspiration for me. The life of the city has always been personified through its architecture and it has many beautiful memories associated with it. Hence, I wanted to encapsulate this in photographs. Basically, it’s Delhi through my eyes, the way I would like to see it,” says Shalini Passi of the city that is culturally secular, with its absorption and reflection of different cultures, religions both foreign and organic yet functioning as one organic entity.
The absence of human figures is a telling and powerful artistic decision, as Passi has captured the human presence and yet not the form. In many ways it speaks to us of our current situation in the global pandemic. Most of the images were taken in 2020 and it captures the desolation of the lockdown, yet it is gently laced with a sense of hope.
“I started photographing in 2008 or 2009, it began with me photographing the art in the house to document it and then I decided that I wanted to take photographs outside my house as well because I really enjoyed it but I have never really had an exhibition of my work as yet,” recalls Passi. “I had an exhibition at the India Habitat Centre, largely abstracts of oil and acrylic on canvas done with palette knife,” says Passi whose love for art goes beyond just collecting and appreciating it but also creating her own work.
The historic importance of imagery can never be predicted given that the world is in a constant flux and what may be an important landmark today may not exist tomorrow and, in that instance, photography has played an important role in chronicling time. Photography is important because it allows people to see the world from different perspectives. One can admire the most diverse scenarios and situations captured in a frozen moment. Photography is so powerful that it enables you to bring meaningful experiences to others in the form of static images.
Passi has shot all her images in black and white and she had this reason behind her choice, “I believe that black and white actually cuts out the excessive noise and detailing. It makes you focus on just the things that are important. I think Black and white helps you do that and erase out that which is extra and raise the quality of the subject to bring it alive. I usually use a Nikon D3200 Digital SLR Camera for photography.” says Passi who has worked primarily in digital format.
In a wonderful gesture, Passi is donating all the proceeds of her sales to charity, given the situation we are all facing. Art can be such an empowering tool. Stepping forward once again, Passi who has supported many NGOs, is extending her support to Goonj and Meherbaan India Foundation through the fundraising campaign ‘FOREVER DELHI.’
“All the proceeds are going to charity. I am trying as much as I can to support my community through this exhibition. As we all know that Delhi has been severely hit by the pandemic; I am trying my best to get International help as well to amplify this initiative. Art is an empowering tool and I believe it must be used to create difference. If not today then when!?.”
– Shalini Passi
Donations of all ranges are most welcome.
All photographs are for Rs 10,000/– and can be accessed on https://www.mashindia.com/exhibitions/forever-delhi-a-series-of-black-and-white-photographs-by-shalini-passi/
For Enquiry, please drop an email on shalinipassiartfoundation@gmail.com
Text by Georgina Maddox
Image Courtesy: Shalini Passi
Find more about the Exhibition and the Artist:
