Of all artistic media, photography can be the most divisive. To capture real people and emotions often triggers a sense of empathy in viewers that traditional art cannot. This concept is one that artist turned photographer, Arka Patra took a while to comes to terms with. He describes his transition from painting to photography as an organic one that evolved with the accessibility to technology. “While I was growing up photography was still a purer medium, that is to say that people mostly used film and what you clicked at the moment was what you got.” But when the world turned digital he realised he could set up and capture a moment exactly the way he envisioned it and from there he began crafting people into living art “It was comforting to know that photography could be an artist’s medium, like paint, clay or stone.”
The vast majority of his work is focused on the the intricacies of human desires and their transition to human actions. He believes that although he tries to tap into a larger human experience it’s only possible to depict one’s own perspective. “The images I produce are not only explorations of my own psyche but also a portal into how I view a certain subject or a situation.” He hopes that people will also approach his work with their own ideas and allow each image to affect them on a personal level rather than basing their opinion off his description. As an introvert he feels his work is a means to communicate his emotions to the world but that communication should be up for interpretation.
Though he started off as a fashion photographer his work has blended in elements of the fine arts to the point that his recent works are nothing short of living masterpieces. For every shoot he makes and curates all his props to match the research and concept that he has chosen. Though he’s experimental he does prefer to work indoors “Outdoor shoots are chaotic and anything can go wrong! The weather, the light, and practically everything else!”
When it comes to conceptualising a new shoot, he tends to focus on contemporary issues, ones that spark debate and oftentimes, controversy. He hopes that by openly addressing sexuality and defying traditional images of gender, his audiences will spread an attitude of open dialogue beyond the gallery walls and into public discourse.
Though every image is a special experience, Arka has selected a few of his favourites, each of which has altered his life in a different way. Scroll on to see them all.
You can explore his full body of work on his Instagram page and his website.