Bubbles of inspiration

Bubbles

A three-year undertaking by photographer Pashminu Mansukhani has culminated in a series of surreal images that can only be described as a myriad of colours. With a passion for capturing the minute details of nature and insects, the next step in the field of macro photography came naturally to the Navi Mumbai-based resident. He recounts, "I wanted to create a set of photos of an object that is not seen by the human eye but is something that we encounter on a regular basis." Thus, he began clicking photos of iridescent soapy bubbles.

Armed with a 20 megapixel Canon 6D camera, a 100mm macro lens, multiple strobe lights and an array of soapy solutions, Mansukhani worked on the project in a sealed dark room. "On a daily basis, people come across soap bubbles while washing their hands, but they fail to see them in the light of what they actually are", he says, explaining what he hoped to portray by choosing something as simple as the bubble.

Pashminu Mansukhani; (above) the exhibits

The multitude of colours, contrasts and shapes, seen in the photographs, is the result of numerous experiments with soap-based concoctions. "I worked with several solutions using ratios of glycerin, a variety of detergents, soaps, shampoos and water samples at varied temperatures. It is the combination of these factors that resulted in different colours and longevity of the bubbles," explains Mansukhani.

After capturing thousands of photos over the years, the final exhibit will display 30 meticulously selected images, each with its own array of colours, shapes and patterns. While he proclaims that the exhibit is more of a promotional activity, the artist goes on to add that he would be happy to sell his work to anyone truly interested in it. A challenging undertaking in many ways, the outcome is a spectacular unseen multi-coloured world, captured artistically.

From: June 10 to 19, 12 noon to 8 pm
At: Piramal Art Gallery, first floor, NCPA, Nariman Point.
Call: 22029483
Log on to: Fineartphotography.in