Go on a captivating visual journey as Rangoli Metro Art Centre hosts ‘7 Shades’ photography exhibition

Photographer-artist Pramod Stephen explains one of his works, which showcases cross-dressing at a temple at Kollam, Kerala, where men dress up as women to offer prayers as part of a ritual and devotion to the deity. 

Credit: Special arrangement

Bengaluru: A group photography exhibition, ‘7 Shades,’ showcasing the works of six artists from across the state, is currently on display at the Rangoli Metro Art Centre, M G Road.

The exhibition promises a captivating visual journey through varied genres.

Pramod Stephen, a photo artist, is presenting his work, ‘Identities in Trance’.

“My work involves people with cross-dressing and trans-dressing as oracles transcending into characters,” he said, describing his fascination with the human body’s interpretation in rituals.

“I am deeply captivated by the usage of materials, properties, and the aura built around the avatars during the rituals,” he added.

His photographs document unique tribal festivals, like Kunde Habba in Karnataka, Chamayavilakku in Kerala, and Kulasai Dasara in Tamil Nadu, capturing fleeting moments of intense devotion.

Fellow artist Ashok Mansur, from Dharwad, mainly focused on landscape photography.

He shared a story behind one of his most loved photographs, stating that he attempted to capture the Milky Way at 2 am near Khanapur temple alone, not withstanding the dangers of being attacked by wild animals, 14 times before finally capturing the perfect image he wanted. He believes that becoming a good artist is impossible without patience.

Naveen Kumar Puttur, an artist-turned-photographer, describes his work as a poetic blend of nature, people, and imagination.

Inspired by the chiaroscuro technique and Rembrandt’s paintings, he believes in his “3L” formula: Light, Lens, and Life, which culminates in what he calls the “Opera of Life Lights.”

He said he only takes pictures in the winter, specifically during sunrise and sunset, because that is when light and fog create a unique aura.

He also noted that his pictures are taken using only a single light source. 

The exhibition showcases the work of 60 photographs by the artists and also features the work of veteran photographer Indra Kumar, as well as Ravikiran Badami and Santosh Y Hanjagi. 

The exhibition is open from 11 am to 7 pm till August 26.

Photo-artist Ashok Mansur with his milky way picture.

Naveen Kumar Puttur explains that it took him three years to capture the picture at the alemane (jaggery house) and every picture is candid; he says they are filled with adventurous tales behind capturing each photograph.