Arka Patra, Hunar Daga, & Nirvair Singh Rai: The Creative Chaos Of 3 Indian Photographers

Last-minute changes, acquiring equipments, priorities shift, processes morph – there's many things happening behind the scenes of a photography project. There is no one-size-fits-all approach in photography.

We're going beyond the filtered feed, into the whirlwind that is a photographer's mind. This journey, as diverse as the photographers themselves, takes us on an exploration of the human experience– a multitude of cultures, emotions, and stories waiting to be captured.

Arka Patra, Hunar Daga, and Nirvair Singh Rai - each artist brings a unique background, shaped by personal experiences, passions, and philosophies. With their vast perspectives, there is one thread that ties them all together. Their work brings together cultural influences, societal norms, and the complexities of human experience into contemplative and visually arresting stories. Today, we take a peek into these three distinct artistic lenses.

Arka’s story into photography wasn't a straight shot. With a background in painting and sculpture, photography became a natural extension of his artistic exploration. Growing up outside a major city instilled a strong sense of cultural connection in him, which is evident in the rich symbolism and narratives portrayed throughout his portraits. 

Arka’s work delves into the complexities of human desires, sexuality, and masculinity. Inspired by classical art traditions from both East and West, he creates a surreal dialogue between these influences and the realities of his surroundings. Juxtaposing cultural norms and societal expectations of gender and sexuality, his photographs challenge traditional narratives.  

"Culture is an ever changing landscape," says Arka. He believes sexuality and gender expression vary across cultures. "Take the color pink. In some places, it might be seen as feminine, but in Rajasthan, you see men confidently sporting pink turbans."

The creative process for Arka isn't confined to grand muses. Inspiration strikes in unexpected ways. " It could be something as mundane as broken crockery or an incomplete conversation with a stranger on social media," he reveals. His series, 'Like Eggshells', perfectly exemplifies this. Inspired by discarded eggshells, the series explores the concept of masculinity as a hard shell, ultimately fragile, and fluid. The symbolism is further enriched by the egg's association with femininity in certain cultures.

The creative spark is just the beginning. Once an idea takes root, Arka dives into research, selectively collecting props, sometimes even creating them himself. The process then evolves to include finding the perfect models and designing the overall aesthetic.

Arka hints at exciting future plans for his personal work. “My future plans are to create bigger grander sets and do much more detailed work." he shares. "This will require the investment of time which is fleeting, but I’m working on it.” 

Follow Arka here.

For Hunar, the camera is a passport, a tool not just to capture sights but to experience cultures, emotions, and the very essence of a place. Her work, driven by light and infused with feeling, carries the viewer beyond the postcard view.

Fortunately Daga's passion for travel and art converge flawlessly in her photography. "It fuels both," she says, explaining that the camera acts as a bridge between exploration and artistic expression."

Light and emotion are central to Daga's artistic vision. Their inspiration often comes from the places themselves, particularly during documentary projects. "Naushad's textile documentation story was heavily driven by the places we traveled to, each with its own unique character," she reveals. While a basic mood might guide her, inspiration can also strike from observing the works of admired artists and then translating this through her own lens.

Daga's signature style is characterised by capturing small details and the nuances. This approach comes from a deep attentiveness to her surroundings. "Sometimes leaving your camera and just observing helps," she shares, "Details are what makes a place and they also have their own character."

Daga is drawn to an artists ability to capture realness and simplicity while creating imagery. However, her greatest source of inspiration remains travel itself as it's the constant exploration that fuels her creative fire.

Follow Hunar here.

Nirvair Singh Rai is a photographer whose work spans a multitude of genres, including documentary, fashion, and wildlife photography. When asked how he navigates these varied genres, Rai explains that they are all about ways of seeing and understanding the world.

Rai believes that sensitivity is a continuous process. Creating a photoseries or film involves a deep engagement with the subjects; treating them as individuals rather than objects. "The more one engages with the subjects as individuals rather than objects, the more it informs the work which goes on behind the scenes," he says. He emphasises the importance of spending time with people, learning their ways, and integrating their lives into his work. This close interaction sets the tone for his projects, allowing the subjects' perspectives to shine through the images.

Inspired by Punjab's traditions and the multiculturalism of Dhaka and Mumbai, he uses his work to promote social harmony and a better future. These narratives, rooted in values of hard work, prayer, and sharing, serve as significant pointers for a better future, both locally and globally.

An expert in both filmmaking and photography, he sees them as intertwined. Photos, silent and deliberate, demand strong visuals and composition to tell a story in a single frame. Viewers, then, become the storytellers, weaving their own narratives. Film, with its sound and movement, is more accessible, but leaves a fleeting, snapshot-like aftertaste. Ultimately, film and photography become one another in the viewer's mind.

Rai pushes art beyond galleries, making it interactive and accessible in public spaces. Here, art escapes rigid interpretations and sparks dialogues with everyday people, eventually becoming a true public conversation.

Follow Nirvair here.

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