The Film Lab India

Meet Shivam Harmalkar, a visual storyteller from Goa, uses his art to explore the complexities of human experience. Through photography and filmmaking, he weaves narratives rooted in personal history and cultural memory, focusing on themes of loss, resilience, and the unspoken connections that bind us.

Harmalkar uses the nostalgic medium of analog photography to explore the ethereal intersection of sight and scent. His work serves as a sensory elegy to the time following his grandfather’s passing, where the gazes of his grandmother and mother became a silent language of loss and resilience. Through grainy textures and evocative imagery, the work invites viewers to experience the unvoiced conversations and enduring bonds that defined those days.

Come check out Shivam Harmalkar’s work at ‘GAZE’ - An analog photography group exhibition, at Darpan Art Gallery from 30th August to 1st September.

Meet Vishvadeep Padavi, a talented Indian artist and educator based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, who has dedicated his career to exploring the intersection of tribal culture and contemporary art. With a BFA and MFA from the prestigious Sir J. J. Institute of Applied Art, Padavi's journey into fine art photography began during his graduate studies.

Experimenting with expired black-and-white film rolls, Padavi discovered the creative possibilities that emerged from the unpredictable reactions of the film to light. This exploration resonated deeply with his connection to his tribal roots, inspiring him to use his lens to bridge ancient wisdom and modern artistic expression.

Padavi's photographs are a powerful testament to the richness of his tribal heritage. He captures not only the people but also the essence of their lives, rituals, and vibrant colors. Through his lens, viewers glimpse the raw beauty of tribal culture and the timeless wisdom embedded within it.

Beyond his cultural focus, Padavi is passionate about merging art with modern technologies. He creates contemporary surreal artworks that blend traditional elements with innovative techniques, further showcasing his artistic versatility and commitment to pushing boundaries.

Vishvadeep Padavi stands as a beacon of artistic excellence and cultural pride, forging connections between the past and the present. His work serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving tribal legacies and the enduring beauty of human culture.

Come check out Vishvadeep Padavi‘s work at ‘GAZE’ - An analog photography group exhibition, at Darpan Art Gallery from 30th August to 1st September.