Kalpesh Lathigra, a photographer from East London, has unveiled a compelling exhibition in Mumbai, titled "The Lives We Dream In Passing." This extensive solo presentation explores Lathigra's intricate relationship with his ancestral homeland, India, through three distinct photographic series: "Memoire Temporelle," "The Indian Photo Studio," and "Junagadh." Curated by Veeranganakumari Solanki, the exhibition consciously avoids the conventional "diaspora dialogue," instead offering a unique and personal interpretation of Indian identity. Lathigra's work reflects a nuanced understanding of belonging, navigating the complexities of his British upbringing and Gujarati heritage, presenting a perspective that is both familiar and refreshingly unconventional to local audiences.
Artist Kalpesh Lathigra Presents Three-Part Photographic Journey in Mumbai
In a thought-provoking exhibition currently captivating audiences at the NCPA Mumbai until March 6th, British-Indian photographer Kalpesh Lathigra is showcasing his deep connection to his family's origins. Born and nurtured in East London, Lathigra embarked on an introspective journey to India, the homeland of his parents from Gujarat, West India. His major solo presentation, "The Lives We Dream In Passing," is a powerful triptych of photographic explorations that includes "Memoire Temporelle," "The Indian Photo Studio," and "Junagadh."
The series "Memoire Temporelle," crafted over three years in the vibrant metropolis of Mumbai, imagines a parallel life Lathigra might have lived had his family not migrated. This collection delves into the unseen possibilities and unspoken narratives of a life rooted solely in India. Following this, "The Indian Photo Studio" presents a unique compilation of identity portraits. These images, discovered by Lathigra in a Mumbai street market, later revealed their subjects to be individuals of Gujarati descent, adding another layer of personal connection to his heritage. The final series, "Junagadh," is a poignant return to his father's hometown. Here, Lathigra embraces his status as a Non-Resident Indian, observing the familiar streets through the eyes of an insightful outsider, thus circumventing the predictable narratives often associated with diaspora art.
Curator Veeranganakumari Solanki, who first encountered Lathigra's work in London in 2019 during her fellowship at Tate Modern, emphasizes the photographer's deliberate choice to move beyond a simplistic "diaspora dialogue." Solanki notes that Lathigra's art doesn't deny his complex identity but rather celebrates his unique position, allowing him to forge his own distinctive artistic expression. This approach is evident in his choice of subjects, such as an image of a Thums Up cola bottle, which evokes a sense of shared nostalgia for Indians while offering a fresh perspective from Lathigra's lens. The exhibition also features a striking display of identity photographs, presented at eye-level against a darkened backdrop, inviting viewers to engage directly with the subjects and ponder the bureaucratic and personal aspects of identity.
Lathigra's portrayal of Junagadh, a serene coastal town, contrasts sharply with bustling Mumbai. From the quiet solitude of his hotel room, he captures the town's essence, reflecting an artist comfortable in his detached observation. Solanki highlights that this work speaks to contemporary India's evolving landscape, particularly how returning NRIs influence traditionally insular areas, making them subtly more cosmopolitan. This trilogy, she explains, is a significant part of Lathigra's artistic practice, distinct from his other works, which include family portraits, celebrity Polaroids, and academic reflections on photography. The exhibition marks a homecoming for Lathigra, symbolizing a moment of artistic and personal liberation where he fully embraces the fluidity of his insider-outsider identity.
Kalpesh Lathigra's exhibition offers a profound reflection on identity, belonging, and the fluid nature of cultural heritage. His conscious effort to transcend conventional narratives surrounding the diaspora provides a fresh lens through which to view the complexities of globalized identities. The show encourages viewers to consider their own connections to place and heritage, and how personal history shapes artistic expression. It underscores the power of photography to not only document but also to interpret and reimagine the world, inviting a deeper dialogue about what it truly means to be 'home.' Additionally, the exhibition highlights the importance of cultural exchange and the role of art in fostering understanding across different cultural backgrounds.