Photography has always had the power to capture moments, preserve memories, and tell stories. It’s a medium that allows us to freeze time, offering us the chance to reflect, reminisce, and understand the world around us. Chennai’s 4th Photo Biennale takes this exploration of photography to new heights, offering a thought-provoking experience inspired by renowned Indian photographer Dayanita Singh.
Dayanita Singh, widely acclaimed for her artistic approach to photography, has been a pivotal figure in pushing the boundaries of the art form. Her work is deeply rooted in storytelling, and she’s known for her exploration of personal spaces, identity, and the relationships between subjects and their surroundings. Singh’s ability to convey complex emotions and narratives through the lens is why the Chennai Photo Biennale chose to highlight her influence as part of its 4th edition.
This year’s theme, inspired by Singh’s unique style, revolves around the question: Why do we take photos? It asks visitors to reflect on the role photography plays in our lives, how it shapes our perception, and what we choose to preserve and remember. The Biennale’s exhibits delve into this philosophical inquiry, offering an array of works that span across various genres, from personal snapshots to abstract interpretations of reality.
The exhibition invites visitors to explore the cultural and emotional significance of photography. The idea that photographs do more than just capture an image, but also encapsulate a moment in time and emotion, is at the forefront. Singh’s work, known for its intimacy, invites us to think about how photography can transcend simple documentation and become a medium for self-expression and exploration of the human condition.
One of the key features of the Biennale is its presentation of photography in various forms. While traditional photo prints remain central to the exhibition, the event also introduces innovative ways of displaying photographs. Many of the works reflect Singh’s influence, incorporating books, archives, and multi-dimensional installations that allow photography to come alive in new and unexpected ways. The approach highlights Singh’s commitment to making photography not just a visual experience but a tactile and immersive one.
Singh’s influence on this year’s biennale is also evident in how the exhibition intertwines personal narratives with larger cultural and social themes. Like Singh’s work, the Biennale embraces a deep connection to place, identity, and memory. The photographers showcased in this event bring their unique perspectives on the world, yet each shares a universal desire to capture fleeting moments, to preserve history, and to communicate something profound.
The 4th Chennai Photo Biennale is not merely a celebration of photography as an art form but a reflection on the power of memory and the act of remembering. Why do we take photos? Is it to document? To remember? Or to express our personal truths? The exhibition provides no definitive answer but challenges us to explore our own reasons for picking up a camera, clicking the shutter, and creating an image.
Moreover, the Biennale encourages us to think about the evolving nature of photography in today’s digital world. The ease of taking pictures with smartphones and the rise of social media have transformed photography into an everyday activity, making us question how the act of photography has changed over time. Is photography losing its depth and meaning, or has it just evolved to fit our current times?
Chennai’s 4th Photo Biennale offers a chance to witness the power of photography not only as an art form but as a tool for introspection. Through the lens of Dayanita Singh’s influence, visitors are invited to engage with the images in a deeper way, challenging them to consider their own relationship with photography and what it means to preserve moments in time. This thought-provoking exploration makes the event not just an exhibition but an experience that resonates long after you leave the gallery.
By posing the question, why do we take photos? The Chennai Photo Biennale goes beyond simply showcasing beautiful images—it prompts us to understand photography’s profound impact on our lives, our memories, and our connections to the world around us.
