Beyond Sight,  is and exhibition of photographs clicked by visually impaired people, on display at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat from June 9 to 17 between 10 am to 7 pm.
The Exhibition features 28 photographs by nine visually impaired people. The age of the photographers range from 15 to 50 years.

Workshops help
These photographers have attended workshops by Partho Bhowmick, who studied and researched blindness and visual arts for years before starting self funded workshops on photography with the visually impaired.
‘Beyond Sight’ is the culmination of ‘Blind with Camera’, Partho Bhowmick’s project.
How did the man think of encouraging the blind to pursue photography? He says he picked up an old issue a photo magazine from a pavement vendor in Mumbai and came across an article on Evgan Bavcar, an accomplished blind photographer based in Paris.
He contacted the blind photographer and was deeply influenced by the man’s work.

Visualise differently
The workshop hopes to not only teach photography to the blind, but to also record their imagination and point of view, share their vision and views and to empower them by building their confidence, esteem, hope and also provide financial support. How do the blind see the final photographs that are taken by them? Says Bhowmick,  “The final photo printed is extensively discussed, gaps are identified and scope to improve is discussed and ‘re-take’ continues till acceptable or desired quality is achieved.
Since every blind person is different, some people see more than others, some don’t see  at all. Individuals with limited or low vision will be able to somewhat see the final result and others with complete blindness have to feel it through discussions.
People who wish to help these visually impaired photographers, are welcome to donate cameras and other photographic equipment which is in working condition, studio space and even digital labs on a temporary sharing basis.
Those who would like to volunteer for the workshops and exhibitions, or fund raising and design campaigns are also welcome. The proceeds from the sales will go to the visually impaired photographers and for the cause of the blind.