“Exploring Chennai’s Margazhi Magic: A Visual Journey of Tradition and Climate Resilience”

CHENNAI: It’s that season when Chennai bursts with the lively melodies of classical music and dance. In honor of the city’s rich heritage and culture, photographer and Studio A founder, Amar Ramesh, has assembled a photographic series that acts as a sincere homage to Chennai’s Carnatic heritage.

“I contrasted Madras and Carnatic music for the exhibition Madras, Margazhi, and Music. I selected notable sites in Chennai to capture portraits of influential Carnatic musicians at these locations,” shares Amar Ramesh. The distinguished sites encompass Koyambedu Market, Central Station, Marina Beach, Santhome Church, Broken Bridge, Gandhi Mandapam, and Natesan Park. In total, 45 musicians are showcased in 45 unique city settings.

“I selected these locations as it’s rare to see Carnatic musicians in these settings; they are typically found performing in sabhas,” he elaborates. The complete series is presented in black and white to produce a documentary feel, directing attention to the musicians’ emotions and authenticity, rather than on trends like fashion. Featured musicians include TK Murthy, Dr TV Gopalakrishnan, Aruna Sairam, the Lalgudi siblings GJR Krishnan and Vijayalakshmi, P Unnikrishnan, Dr Nithyasree Mahadevan, Mandolin U Rajesh, among many others. Delving deeper into the concept, Amar reflects, “Madras is evolving into Chennai, and I aimed to highlight the old-world charm of Madras that we are slowly losing. Likewise, Carnatic music is transitioning, with modern styles and emerging artists. This connection led to an unintended yet fruitful experiment.” The Madras, Margazhi, and Music photo exhibition is being showcased at Narada Gana Sabha until February 3 as part of the Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation’s fourth edition.

Meanwhile, photographer Bhumika Saraswati from New Delhi highlights the disproportionate effects of the climate crisis on vulnerable communities, particularly women in South Asia. Bhumika is among the photographers featured in the ‘It’s Time. To See. To Be Seen’ exhibition, a component of the Biennale, which centers on women’s perspectives of the world expressed through their photographic work.

The 26-year-old artist sought to document the challenges faced by women farmers, whose vital contributions are frequently overshadowed. “Heat is a silent, gradual killer. Unlike floods or other natural catastrophes, heat’s effects creep in slowly. I aimed to portray the resilience, joy, anger, and resolve of women confronting inequality,” she notes.

Bhumika also addresses the underrepresentation and undervaluation of women within the field of photography. “Numerous women photographers working in mainstream media lack independence because the system does not permit us to work freely. Everyone carries a distinct viewpoint, and not all visuals can be captured by men,” she adds.

It’s Time. To See. To Be Seen is exhibited at the Lalit Kala Akademi until March 16, showcasing works from female photographers globally.