The Winning Photographers Of Chennai Photo Biennale 2024 Reflect India's Stark Social Realities

The Chennai Photo Biennale (CPB) Foundation has once again dazzled us with the Fourth Edition of the CPB Photo Awards - 2023-2024; a celebration of India's photographic brilliance. These awards, designed to honour and celebrate the often-overlooked talents from various regions of the country, are a testament to the emotive power and profound sensitivity of visual artistry. Check out the winning projects from this year below.

Thulasi Kakkat - Award for Socially Concerned Photography - Photo of The Year

Hailing from Kochi, Thulasi Kakkat's impactful untitled photograph clinched the Danish Siddiqui Award for Socially Concerned Photography - Photo of the Year. The image captures Arya and Akshaya, pioneering female students of Kathakali at Kerala Kalamandalam, engaged in their early morning sadhakam. This poignant moment signifies the culmination of a 90-year-old, male-dominated tradition at the Kalamandalam; marking a significant shift in cultural narratives.

Anindito Mukherjee - Photo Story Of The Year

Anindito Mukherjee's compelling photo story, 'The perils of the smallholders who feed India', delves deep into the challenges faced by Indian farmers. Through stark visuals and evocative storytelling, Mukherjee sheds light on the plight of farms grappling with fragmented land ownership, inadequate infrastructure, and the looming specter of climate change. His work resonates with the struggles and resilience of those sustaining India's agricultural backbone.

Chinky Shukla - Emami Art Regional Photographer Of The Year

Chinky Shukla's haunting portrayal, 'When Buddha stopped smiling', transports us to the aftermath of India's nuclear tests in Pokhran. Through poignant imagery and emotive narratives, Shukla reveals the enduring scars borne by the desert communities affected by radiation. Her work serves as a poignant reminder of the human costs hidden behind geopolitical decisions; urging us to confront the realities of nuclear legacies.

Vishal Bhatnagar - News and Current Affairs - Single Image

Vishal Bhatnagar's single image, capturing Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in a roadshow aboard a bulldozer, unveils the theatricality of political campaigns. The photograph, a blend of irony and spectacle, reflects the evolving nature of political communication and strategies in contemporary India and depicts the performative nature of electoral politics.

Stephen Luwang - News and Current Affairs - Photo Story

Stephen Luwang's poignant photo story, 'Kuki-Meitei ethnic conflict', lays bare the stark realities of ethnic tensions in Manipur. Through a series of compelling images, Luwang documents the aftermath of violent clashes; highlighting the human toll and communal strife plaguing communities in the area. His work serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for harmony and understanding amidst diversity.

Surender Solanki - Climate, Environment and Conservation - Single Image

Surender Solanki's poignant image reveals the ravaging effects of climate change, as residents carry their households and climb ladders on an overpass under construction in New Delhi. His work highlights the human impact of environmental challenges; urging us to confront the urgent need for sustainability and resilience in the face of an ongoing climate crisis.

Harsha Vadlamani - Climate, Environment and Conservation - Photo Story

Harsha Vadlamani's captivating photo story explores the aftermath of India's Green Revolution in Punjab. Through poignant imagery, Vadlamani unravels the environmental and social impact of intensive agriculture; shedding light on groundwater depletion, health issues, and the economic struggles of farmers. His work delves into the complexities of agricultural practices and their long-term consequences.

Joseph Rahul - Daily Life and Culture - Single Image

Joseph Rahul's untitled photograph captures a serene moment at Oachira Parabrahma temple during the festival season. With a keen eye for everyday life, Rahul's work resonates with authenticity, capturing the essence of cultural traditions and human connections in Kochi, Kerala.

Akilan Thyagarajan Portrait - Single Image

Akilan Thyagarajan's untitled portrait captures a just-married Irular couple at Mahabalipuram during the Maasi Magam Festival. Through his lens, Thyagarajan celebrates the beauty of cultural traditions and the vibrant spirit of festivities in Tamil Nadu; opening a window into the rich tapestry of Indian heritage.

Nitin Jain: Nature and Wildlife - Single image

Nitin Jain's thrilling photograph captures a dramatic moment in nature, as a Brahminy kite attempts to snatch a frog from a Black Headed Ibis in Chilika Lake, India. His work reflects the raw beauty and intensity of wildlife encounters; showcasing the intricate dance of predator and prey in natural ecosystems.

As the curtains draw on this edition of the CPB Photo Awards, the captivating narratives and emotive visuals presented by these talented artists leave an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. Through their lenses, they not only capture human stories but also provoke contemplation and dialogue and compel us to reflect on the intricate tapestry of life that surrounds us. The CPB Photo Awards stand as a testament to the transformative power of photography; inviting us to see the world through a lens of empathy, understanding, and appreciation for the myriad stories that shape our shared human experience.

Follow Chennai Photo Biennale here.

If you enjoyed reading this, here's more from Homegrown:

'The Film Lab India' Is Preserving The Art & Spirit Of Homegrown Analogue Photography

A Delhi-Based Camera Store Is Offering A Timeless Portal To Vintage Photography

Meet The Indian Winners Of The PA2F Environmental Photography Award