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The capital city of Delhi carries a rich legacy of both history and mythology. Indraprastha or present day Delhi was the capital of the kingdom led by the Pandavas in the Mahabharata. It is even mentioned in ancient Indian literature as a city within the Kuru kingdom. Delhi, with all its historical and mythological associations, is one of the oldest cities in India. An impression of the monumental legacy of Delhi can be found through the stages of Mughal rule, the British colonial rule and finally the modern day graffiti at Lodhi Road. Present day Delhi is an amalgamation of the impressions of all these eras along with its mythological past etched in the stories of the Mahabharata.
Hailing from Delhi himself, Kavish Sethi, 30, has been absolutely fascinated by the city, so much so that he has made it a point to document it in various ways. However, he feels that he hasn’t yet fully explored Old Delhi. Recently he had started watching the series, the Mahabharata, which was the inspiration behind the idea. For this specific photo story, he has combined graphic representations of facts, references and data associated with Delhi, and juxtaposed it with edited layouts highlighting the lighter elements, tone and essence from different parts of the city, with a hope to artistically transcend the stereotypical idea of Delhi. We have asked him a few questions regarding the same.
I. Who are the artists you have been inspired by?
In terms of photojournalism and capturing people, places, stories and monochromes it has to be Pablo Bartholomew, Raghu Rai and Prabuddha Dasgupta. In context of modern day cinema, movies by Imtiaz Ali.
II. From where do you get the ideas for your creative projects ?
I think mostly the ideas are somewhere in the subconscious. Once I start a series, its while creating the images, I kind of figure out where it is headed and how can I explore and further shape it, while still in the process.
III. Are there any Indian contemporaries of yours whose work you admire?
@andhikaramadhian , @sam_kulavoor , @kunelgaur , @remachaudhary , @bharatsikkastudio , @itsreuben
IV. What is the first piece of art/photograph/film/music that impacted you deeply and why?
It was the movie I watched in 2009 The Eternal Sunshine of Spotless Mind. I think the idea of going to the points of memory inside a person’s brain and erasing the memory of a loved one. It’s like using a memory eraser stick from MIB series.
V. If you could propose and lead a project with the Indian Government, what would it be?
I would love to do a project and spread awareness about Mental Health. A series on the beautiful mind by highlighting the seed of a thought, depression, social anxiety and mental illness.
VI. Which is your favourite piece of work of your own & why?
A minimal series I did on Varanasi - A City of Ghats because it was the first time I visited the city and was blown away by the richness and contrast of the place.
VII. One track you’re currently listening to?
Tripical Moon by Querox and Phaxe
VIII. A project you wish you were a part of and why?
Acts of Appearance by Gauri Gill. She spend 1 year in a village in Maharastra documenting the locals during a festival where they wear masks and enact mythological tales. I would love to shoot a photo series on local tribes.
IX. Your favourite midnight munchies?
These days, roasted channa.
X. Your greatest vice?
Sulking on a lot of things. Working on it.
You can check out his photo story here.
You can check out his Instagram here.
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