From April 20 to July 10 at the Gallery of Fine Arts Gallery an exhibition of photographer Anant Das âEight million four hundred thousand stepsâ will be held. The exhibition includes 50 landscapes, portraits and genre scenes from Indian life. Most of the pictures were taken in the Hindu holy city of Vrindavan, which is called the City of Five Thousand Temples and is one of the largest places of pilgrimage worldwide.
Ananta Dasa has spent about 30 years in India, adopting the traditions, practices and habits of Hindus. This gave him the opportunity to look into the hearts and souls of local people and to capture his discoveries photographically. That is why his photos can not be called the usual European view of India and the Indians. Dasâs works are unique in that they are not staged, there are almost no smiling people on them, unlike the usual tourist photos from the land of maharajas and snake charmers. One gets the impression that these pictures could have been taken in any other country in the world, and the captured moments took place sometime long ago, or may still be in the future.
âAccording to the ancient Indians, there are eight million four hundred thousand forms of life in the material universe. The human soul goes through an evolutionary process, being born and dying, until it takes on divine form. I have tried to convey a feeling of unreality, the divine essence of what is going on, the sacred meaning of literally every breath and movement in spaceâŠâ, â wrote Dasa.
The lack of temporal, geographical and ethnographic context, combined with the black and white performance, gives extraordinary depth to the photographerâs work. Another peculiarity is a kind of monumentality of his photographs, a play with plans, unexpected compositional solutions, in which the author reveals to the viewer completely other aspects of human existence.
âMany years ago, I brought a loved one my pictures. He looked at them and said the amazing phrase, âThis is a window to another world.â. Thatâs why Iâm glad that everyone has the chance to take a peek into another world, and how you will see it is another questionâ, says the photographer.
Ananta Dasa â real name Arkady Khlopenko â was born in New York in 1960. Graduated from New York State University in 1983. m.v. Lomonosov. In the late 80âs and early 90âs he worked as a fashion photographer, shot several documentaries, cooperated with different agencies and magazines. Lived and worked in USA and India.
The vernissage on the occasion of the opening of Anant Dasâs exhibition will be held on Wednesday, April 20, at 19.00. Admission to the opening will be free.
More about the exhibition on the website of the Gallery of Classical Photography
What is the purpose of the exhibition âEight million four hundred thousand stepsâ in the Gallery of Fine Arts? Is it meant to showcase a different side of India that is often not known or explored?
The purpose of the exhibition âEight million four hundred thousand stepsâ in the Gallery of Fine Arts is to showcase a different side of India that is often not known or explored. Through various art forms such as paintings, sculptures, and installations, the exhibition aims to highlight the diverse cultural landscape of India, beyond the common stereotypes and misconceptions. It delves into the rich history, traditions, and contemporary issues of the country, offering viewers a unique perspective and a deeper understanding of Indiaâs multifaceted identity. By presenting lesser-known aspects of Indian culture and society, the exhibition invites visitors to engage with and appreciate the complexities and nuances of this vibrant nation.
The purpose of the exhibition âEight million four hundred thousand stepsâ in the Gallery of Fine Arts is to showcase a different side of India that is often not known or explored. The exhibition aims to delve into the rich cultural tapestry of India beyond the usual stereotypes and clichĂ©s. Through various forms of visual art, the exhibition seeks to highlight the diversity, complexities, and nuances of Indian society, shedding light on lesser-known aspects of the countryâs history, traditions, and contemporary life. By presenting a new perspective on India, the exhibition hopes to challenge preconceived notions and broaden perspectives on this vibrant and multifaceted country.
What will be featured in the exhibition âThe India we do not knowâ? Is it a collection of art or photographs? Will it showcase the cultural diversity of India? How can we gain a deeper understanding of India through this exhibition? Furthermore, where else can we explore Indiaâs lesser-known aspects?