“There is a beautiful word in Hindi – nawazna – which captures it. Creative artists mirror the society and its health, and it is the duty of the society to nurture and preserve their art. In Nagpur, we have named an auditorium after Vidarbha’s much-loved poet, Suresh Bhat. Similarly, we need to honour artists and their work,” said Darda, himself an accomplished painter.

Earlier, he lit the traditional lamp to open the photo-exhibition by 12 photographers curated by Gajanan Dudhalkar. He also felicitated Padmashri Sudharak Olwe on the occasion in the presence of Bruce Guthrie, Head – Theatre and Film, NCPA . “Many people in my family have been honoured with Padma awards, but Sudharak has bagged the award for his commendable work of shining the spotlight on the lives of manhole workers and socio-economically backward. My eyes brim with tears each time I see Sudharak’s book on Mumbai’s manhole workers,” he said.

Sudharak Olwe said the photographs in the exhibition reflect the culture of Maharashtra and will create the first impression, and help bring more footfalls to the state. “Photography as a medium has the power to bring about social change. Photographs can remain etched in your mind, and even educate the viewer 50 years later,” he said.

Maharashtra Photo Exhibition 2022 features the works of 12 photographers capturing the rich natural and cultural heritage of Maharashtra and will remain open till May 8, 2022 (excluding public holidays of May 1 and May 3) from 12 noon to 8 pm at the Piramal Art Gallery at the NCPA. The images are printed in 30 x 45 gallery wraps on Hahnemuhle Daguerre archival canvas at Nature Works Giclee print facility.

Gajanan Dudhalkar, curator of this photo exhibition, said, “This exhibition was originally planned to be exhibited on the eve of Maharashtra Day, 2020, but had to be postponed due to two years of Covid-19 pandemic. We are happy that we have been able to open the show this year and bring it to you. Mumbai photojournalists have also designed a photobook for our next project, Mumbai Lockdown. We are looking for appropriate sponsors. Hopefully we will be able to bring you another photo exhibition and book launch soon.”

Photographers exhibiting their work in the show:

1)    Rajendra Waghmare

2)    Gajanan Dudhalkar

3)    Prakash Dudhalkar

4)    Vaibhav Jagus

5)    Subhash Jirange

6)    Swapnil Agaskar

7)    Kishor Nikam

8)    Sudhir Nazare

9)    Kedar Bhide

10)   Dr. Sudhir Gaikwad

11)   Deepak Bartakke

12)   Gopal Bodhe

Gajanan Dudhalkar

Curator, Maharashtra Photo Exhibition 2022

9820858562

gajadudhalkar@gmail.com