Look at the pair of eyes in each photograph. You’ll find a hundred stories in them. Photographer Aman Chotani, who is presenting visuals from his latest body of portraits from Nepal, titled, Portraits Talk, encourages the viewer to peer deep into each, to allow them to narrate their experiences. If you look carefully enough, Chotani says they’ll speak to you.
Most of his images are neutral in theme. They’re neither happy faces nor sad. “I leave it on their gaze to say whether they’re happy or sad. Some stories can be both happy and sad. You’ve got to find that out for yourself,” he says.
As Chotani traversed the tragedy-hit Nepal to capture the catastrophe, he came across many people, but one of the most inspiring was a mother-daughter duo. “They were full of life even at their ages—109 and 94 respectively. They were full of hopes and dreams, and lived alone, extremely satisfied with their lives, and what they had. I hope they are safe,” he says.
At another point during his journey, Chotani clicked a lady who was dressing up in front of a mirror, which had ‘who I am’ written on it. It was a very touching moment, since these days, every individual is trying to find his or her own identity,” he says.
For a photographer who believes Nepal gave him some of his best photos, he’s naturally saddened at the destruction that he’s witnessed. Keeping that in mind, Chotani has decided to donate all the funds he manages to collect from the upcoming exhibition towards the Nepal relief fund. “I eagerly want Nepal to stand on its feet again. God bless the country,” he says, hoping for the best.
Date May 29 to June 1
Time 10 am to 6 pm
Venue India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road