Bhavacitra

In Kannada, we say Bhavacitra (ಭಾವಚಿತ್ರ) which can be translated to presentation of self or portraiture. It is a compound word, bhava meaning inner ‘expression’ (sometimes used to describe art forms without the use of words like dance for example) and citra meaning ‘picture’ either in relation to art, painting or photography.

This series is an exploration and interpretation of South Indian studio photography through the perspective of documenting the presentation of the self and kinship as an extension of this. The entire project was created in my hometown, Bangalore, Karnataka, through the use of a travelling photo studio and features sitters from all over the city who were keen to have their own picture captured in studio form.

The wider series includes over 100 photographs and features handpainted scenic backgrounds inspired by the old Tamil photo studio.