Date – Ongoing until 30th June, 2024
Time – 8 am – 10pmAddress – Shop No.5, Pearl Haven Apartments, Chapel Rd, St Sebastian Colony, Mount Mary, Bandra West, W, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050 Website – https://themethod.art/
MUMBAI: Method Bandra presents ‘Where India Dries Its Clothes’ a solo exhibition by Karan Khosla, a photographer, filmmaker, and writer. This exhibition is an evocative photographic series capturing a decade of observation and travel across the diverse landscapes of India by Karan Khosla. This intimate collection focuses on the universal act of drying clothes, a mundane yet poignant activity that transcends geographical, social, and economic boundaries.
Artist’s Statement :
‘Where India Dries My Clothes’ is an intimate visual exploration born from a decade-long observation during my extensive travels across India. What began as an exercise that was simply visually interesting has evolved into a unique reflection on the intricate lives and landscapes that define this diverse nation. The series encapsulates the universal act of drying clothes, one that transcends geographical, social, and economic boundaries. From nomadic tribes in Gujarat to remote villages in North Sikkim, from bustling urban areas to remote mountain communities, this collection reflects the omnipresent nature of this everyday chore, highlighting this shared experience despite varied circumstances.
The images traverse the length and breadth of India, capturing moments in ordinary settings: from Covid vaccination camps in the slums of Bombay to the remote villages of Meghalaya, from surf schools in Karnataka to prime tiger territories in Pench.
Beyond the visual aesthetic, my intention behind this project is rooted in a desire to challenge prevailing narratives about India. As a photographer, I am committed to portraying the authentic essence of everyday existence without ‘exoticizing’ it for external consumption. There wasn’t a grand blueprint for this project; rather, it emerged organically from my travels and observations. It’s a celebration of the simplicity and complexity found in the mundane aspects of life. The series doesn’t aim to revolutionize but to present an earnest portrayal of a subtle yet significant aspect of life in India.
So far the project has been largely incidental, where I was traveling for a work shoot or leisure and have actively searched for people drying their clothes, often hurriedly and with limited time on my hands. I have not had the resources to travel with the sole purpose of shooting for this project.
With the help of the grant, I intend to delve deeper into this project and travel with more purpose concerning the project, hopefully culminating in a photo book and a show at a gallery, for which I will need help reaching out to curators and editors, allowing these photographs to transcend their digital existence and share the stories with a wider audience.
‘Where India Dries My Clothes’ is an ongoing testament to the beauty and unity found in the every day, inviting viewers to appreciate the nuances of life across this beautifully diverse country. Through these images, I aim to evoke a sense of connection and understanding, bridging the gap between the familiar and the unfamiliar, the ordinary and the extraordinary.
