India through lens of three expats

The first time I visited was in 2012 and travelled through the country for around three months. Since that moment, I knew that it was a country I wanted to spend time in. Fast-forward to the end of 2016 and I got an opportunity to shift to Pune so I moved here!

Theme of photographs: The collection showcases every facet of India, be it industry or landscape and especially faces because they’re so distinct. For example, even if I put two men from Rajasthan in any other part of the world, people will know where they’re really from. I got to spend a little time with each of the people I featured so it’s really special.

Inspiration behind series: The visual culture evident in every facet of these places appeals to me. That’s why I specifically wanted to visit Meerut and click pictures of the Nadir Ali & Co. brass band instrument factory — pictures I took there form a part of the collection as well.

What I love about this country: I’m trying not to say typical things like the people, food and places… what I really like is the older parts of towns since they’re the nucleus from which everything evolves and grows. I feel they have a unique charm and story to tell so I can spend my whole day there.

When and why I moved to India: I landed in Delhi in 1994 as it was the second stop of a world tour I was undertaking solo. I was at the Indian Coffee House when I met someone who suggested I work here for a bit to understand the country better so I agreed and eventually, never left! 

Theme of photographs: The works displayed are a co-creation of my friend Christelle Flisch and I. It is a mix of street and conceptual photography and we’ve used a mirror to showcase reality but isolate the beauty of what the street had to give us.

Inspiration behind series: Our inspiration was not from our lives but was about absorbing what we could see around us. That’s why we clubbed composition and reality to make an aesthetic statement, which was poetic too. 

What I love about this country: Nobody can live in India for 25 years and have an uninteresting experience, especially if they’re a foreigner and more so a woman. This country has been hard on me but I’ve made some of the best friendships here. If not for the people, I would have left a long time ago. It takes a while to make friends, but once you do, they’re for life.   

When and why I moved to India: I came here in 1997 because I got married to an Indian. I am currently based in Bengaluru and conduct beginner and professional photography workshops. 

Theme of photographs: I Initially wanted to display a mixed collection but since we were given the theme ‘India through a lens’ I picked images from my stock that depict movement, especially in the left to right direction. 

Inspiration behind series: I’ve been in the field of photography for the past 50 years, with a Master’s degree in it too. During this entire journey, I’ve always tried to say something different in each image I click. In this series, the fast-paced lives we lead inspired me to capture what I see around me — on the field — and thus transport the viewers through various facets of motion and stillness.

What I love about this country: Chocolates in Ooty, where I lived for five years, apart from the hospitable people.