APRIL 19: A captivating five-day photo exhibition titled “Trinity: A Group Show” featuring the works of five distinguished photographers opened today at Kala Kendra, Jammu. The exhibition, jointly organized by Kala Kendra Jammu and Aperture, the Jammu Photography Club, pays tribute to the legendary photographer Chandan Bhadram Shastry, who is remembered for his immense contribution to the field of photography.
The exhibition presents a collection of 45 exceptional photographs by some of the most renowned photographers in the region. The featured artists include Chandan Sunder, Mohammad Anwar Al Nasir, Shishupal, Professor Ashok Kumar, and Amarjeet Singh Jandhu, each bringing their unique perspectives and technical brilliance to the exhibition. The photographs on display reflect a wide array of themes, ranging from emotion and culture to storytelling through the lens. The images collectively offer a deep exploration of the world around us, captured in a way that resonates with viewers on both an emotional and intellectual level.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by the Principal Secretary of Culture, B.M. Sharma, who formally opened the exhibition with a brief speech appreciating the works on display. He expressed deep admiration for the power and emotive force of the photographs, highlighting how they capture the beauty, diversity, and intricate narratives of life. The Principal Secretary commended the photographers for their ability to create visual stories that evoke thought and connect with the audience.
In addition to inaugurating the exhibition, B.M. Sharma also announced several new cultural initiatives by the Department of Culture. Among these was the introduction of a new Cultural Award scheme aimed at recognizing the outstanding contributions of local photographers, painters, sculptors, authors, and researchers. This initiative is expected to encourage artistic expression and creative achievements across various cultural domains. Furthermore, he revealed plans for the establishment of a dedicated Photography Gallery on the first floor of Kala Kendra. This space, envisioned as a permanent platform, will provide photographers with an opportunity to continuously showcase their work and foster creative growth within the local community.
During the event, Mohammad Anwar Al Nasir, a prominent figure in the region’s photography community, delivered the welcome address and introduced the concept behind “The Trinity: A Group Show.” Al Nasir discussed the ongoing efforts of Aperture, the Jammu Photography Club, in promoting photography as a serious art form in the region. He elaborated on how such exhibitions help raise awareness about photography and nurture an appreciation for visual arts among the public.
Dr. Javaid Rahi, Secretary of Kala Kendra Jammu, also spoke at the event, emphasizing that the exhibition aims to inspire both amateur photographers and enthusiasts. He explained that the main objective of the event is to provide an enriching experience for those who are passionate about photography, offering an opportunity for learning and growth. Dr. Rahi further announced that live demonstrations on various aspects of photography, including camera handling, framing angles, image mixing, and creative composition, would be held throughout the exhibition. These sessions are designed to offer valuable practical insights to photography lovers and provide a hands-on learning experience for attendees.
In recognition of their significant contributions to the field of photography, Aperture honored several eminent photographers at the event. Among those honored were R.K. Goyal, Afzal Shah, Channi Anand, Surjit Singh, Rakesh Bakshi, Rajinder Kitchloo, Pawan Chowdhary, Ashwani Saberwal, and Parveen Sharma. Their work and dedication to the craft of photography have left an indelible mark on the region’s photographic landscape.
The inauguration and exhibition were attended by a distinguished group of guests and artists, including Balwant Thakur, Dr. Lalit Gupta, K.B. Jandial, Dr. Raj Kumar, O.P. Sharma, Jang S. Verman, Baljeet Raina, S. Bajral, and many others. Their presence highlighted the importance of the event within the local cultural community and underscored the growing recognition of photography as a vital art form.
The exhibition will remain open to the public in all the galleries of Kala Kendra until April 22, providing an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to experience the works of these talented photographers. The event promises to be a captivating celebration of visual art, offering a glimpse into the diverse and vibrant world seen through the eyes of the photographers.