Storytelling & Artistic Expression Collide In The Work Of These Conceptual Photographers

Each visual artist and photographer has a distinct visual grammar that pulls us in, that evokes emotions, and opens up a new world to us. There are some whose photographs are a masterclass in storytelling and weaving narratives, there are others whose love for Indian cinema and cultures shines through their photographs, and some others who allow us to immerse ourselves in the dream-like imaginative landscapes they create.

At Homegrown, we love exploring artists who have diversified the way we look at art, and these artists have been able to bring human emotions and culture to the forefront with their work.

I. Ahmad Faras

Aligarh-based conceptual and fine-art photographer Ahmad Faras feels that art is a great medium that can show our emotions and vulnerability to the world and heal us as well. Carrying a sense of storytelling through their subjects’ expressions while staying true to the atmosphere, his photographs dive deep into the multitude of human expressions and experiences. Rooted in culture, connection, and the intimacy of daily doings, they offer an emotionality and most importantly a story.

You can check out their work here.

II. Akash J

Delhi-based visual storyteller and fashion photographer Akash J has an expressionist approach, where he often experiments with novel concepts and artistic expression. Striking and powerful, his work tackles contemporary issues with a sense of surrealism blended into them. As a visual artist, he is able to capture emotion and personality with his pictures and weave narratives through the expressions of his human portraitures. With muted tones, his photographs speak to your soul.

You can check out their work here.

III. Imdad Barbhuyan

There is an inherent intimacy and romanticism in the frames of New Delhi-based visual artist Imdad Barbhuyan, who creates atmospheric scenes by bringing out the poetry in the ordinary and mundane. An artist exploring themes of melancholia, desire, memory, and intimacy, there is a sense of looking beyond the frame that accompanies his photographs and a defined sense of both a deeper connection and an inspired introspection. With a play on natural lights and an emotional connection to his subjects, he is able to create dream-like photographs that invite you into his imaginative world.

You can check out their work here.

IV. Gourab Ganguli

Kolkata-origin Bombay-based fashion photographer and documentary filmmaker Gourab Ganguli’s love for the world of cinema and Indian handicrafts shines through his work. A storyteller through and through, his frames are able to capture a wealth of stories and human experiences, owing partly to his love of documentary-style photography. Among his works is the documentary project ‘Turban Weavers of Bhujodi’ — an exploration of the complexity of the turban weave that is passed down generationally in close-knit family units and the history and evolution of the Jamdani and Chikankari embroidery on muslin in India. Just a cursory look through his Instagram is sure to give you a sense of the culture and tradition that encapsulate his work.

You can check out their work here.

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