Vinay Pandya's Photographs Turn an Eye on the Heritage of India

From captures of street life to architectural photography, this solo show is an endearing display, held at Ravishankar Raval Kala Bhavan from February 23 to 26.

Vinay Pandya of the Amdavad Ni Gufa gallery, has been a prominent face in the city, often seen to be beaming warmly at art exhibitions. Pandya never mentioned to me his passion for photography, however until last week, when he bumped into me at the Hutheesing Visual Art Centre at the solo exhibition of artist Ram Kumar. His latest photography exhibition, he informed, is taking place at the Ravishankar Raval Kala Bhavan, from February 23 to 26.

Consecrated in the presence of the charismatic Padma Shri winning lensman Zaverilal Mehta, and other luminaries from the art fraternity, Pandya’s first-ever solo exhibition showcases 35 photographs. His works focus on the heritage of Ahmedabad and other cities of India. In his portrayal of edifices like Sanchi Stupa, Omkareshwar Temple, Sarkhej Roza and Roza Rozi Dargah, Pandya maintains an equilibrium between light and shadow. The show is a compilation of sights drawn from across the genres of abstract photography, street photography, architectural photography, surreal photography, wildlife photography and landscape photography. While looking at his works, one also witnesses his knack for discovering abstraction, such as in a photograph of a crumpled dry leaf that manifests as a fetus.

While the Ravishankar Raval Kala Bhavan, from outside, possesses a fine architectural sense, inside, the gallery is in dire need of restoration. With no proper illumination, splintered and unpainted walls, and old double tapes stuck on the walls adjacent to the artworks, it is impossible for an observer to look at the art minus distraction. We hope that the authorities will soon start considering the gallery to be an asset for the city, making it more presentable for the benefit of culture and arts.