Hand-pulled rickshaws brace themselves against trams while Saraswati and slumkids stare from a distance, in lensman Sayantan Roy's take on a Kolkata changing
Hand-pulled rickshaws brace themselves against trams while Saraswati and slumkids stare from a distance, in lensman Sayantan Roy's take on a Kolkata changing
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Calcutta? The very obvious answer would be
the signature tram services of the city, dating back to 1873. This apart, the vibrant city breathes an air of positivity, love and belongingness. Kolkata-based artist Sayantan Roy aims photographs the changing face of the city through his maiden exhibition, called Calcutta, Calcutta. We delve deeper into the dual nature of that name.
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The 21-year-old college student, through his eight works shot over 40 days, portrays the changing face of the city. The tram services are juxtaposed with the famous puchkas (better known as paani puris). The famous Saraswati Puja celebrations, too, find a place in the exhibition, as the artist effortlessly captures the artisans working tirelessly to provide final touches to the Saraswati idols. An interesting work shows how, on the busy commercial streets of Kolkata, people reside in and out of the shops, even sleeping in them whenever required. This apart, the artist has also tried to bring to life the many people residing in the city known for its warmth and hospitality.
Nostalgic nudge
"I have been born and raised in the city, so it definitely is very close to my heart. I personally feel that the city has changed a lot in the last few years. A few positive changes include better tram and bus services. However, the flipsides of the city are on the rise. I really wish to draw attention to the plight of the street children in the city, who are deprived of education and the basic amenities of life," says Roy. "This apart, the hand-pulled rickshaws are also something that the city must do away with. In both the cases, human labour is involved u00e2u0080u0094 something that shouldn't exist even after modernisation. My motive is to show that regardless of what happens in a city, the feel of the city should remain intact, and also, an effort should be made to weed out the short-comings of the city." Help him with a see.
Calcutta Calcutta
On till: March 16
Where: 1st Floor, DLF Place Mall, Saket
Timings: 11 am to 10 pm
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