An image that attempts to find beauty in the mundane has always left an enduring mark in an oversaturated world of present day photography. While people are chasing perfectly curated set ups and lighting, somehow documentary photography with all its real imperfections still tends to stand out. Displaying such artistry, a recent photo series, Fisherwomen of ‘Mogaveer’ community of Karnataka is sharing insight into the everyday lives of women who work at the port. 

Following his passion for photography since 2012, Indrajit Khambe is a documentary photographer based out of Sindhudurga, a beautiful district situated near the Goa-Maharashtra border. His photographic subjects are rooted in his home state and he has explored various subjects relevant to this region like the traditional theatre forms of the Konkan region, monsoon farming around Sindhudurga, the landscape of Hampi and the Akharas (Gyms Or Arenas) of Kolhapur. 

He has been documenting fishing communities of the coastal region for the last 7 years and recently came across some fishing villages on his visit to Karnataka. Here, he captured the simple yet crucial coastal activities performed by the Malpe port near Udupi. The fisherwomen in the particular series are from the Mogaveer community, which is a local name for the group who perform the traditional job of catching fish as well as other fishing-related businesses. 

It is quite possible that most of us would not think much of this sight while passing by. However, through his delicate work the photographer brings out the hard work that goes into a tough business where women display impeccable leadership qualities. Providing intimate insights into their world, the imagery tries to communicate their everyday hardships and joys; crafting a striking yet authentic display of the real lives of coastal communities. 

Find them here.

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