The exhibition comprises pictures of apartment buildings, street corners, bus stops and people of the city.
Credit: DH PHOTO/PUSHKAR V
Italy-based photographer Martin Mae was given an unusual task — capture the essence of Bengaluru without saddling the images with the overused elements that are synonymous with India. The project was commissioned by Alfonso Tagliaferri, Consul General of Italy in Bengaluru.
The exhibition, ‘Bangalore, In Between,’ opened at Sabha Blr on Tuesday, and was preceded by a discussion between Martin and architect Naresh Narasimhan.
Though Martin has spent three years in India, Bengaluru was new to her. “I found myself searching for silence and quiet moments in the chaos and noise. That is reflected in the images,” said Martin, a noted fashion photographer.
Her photographs depict the facades of old apartment buildings, a parking lot, empty street corners, and bus stops — scenes that offer no obvious sign of Bengaluru. “That could be Berlin or even Tokyo,” she said, pointing to a black-and-white print hung from the ceiling. “These are things that one passes by everyday, but we fail to see the beauty of it, because we have grown accustomed to it,” she added.
The exhibition is divided into three sections — The Stage, The Threshold, and The Souls. The first features black-and-white images of the city’s open spaces — trees, buildings, and roads. The second section presents two large coloured images printed on silk, which Martin admits is a nod to India’s character, showcasing blurred views of everyday architecture, weathered walls, and small windows.
The final section, also printed on silk, captures the city’s residents in a more artistic style. Describing Bengaluru as a welcoming city, Martin shared, “It gives you the space you need to be what you want to be, and that is what I have attempted to capture.”
Until May 18, 11 am to 7 pm, at Sabha Blr, Kamaraj Road. Call 98450 24823.