My Aksa Collection Exhibition

Thank you to everyone who came out to the launch of the Aksa Collection at Drifters today. It was my first solo exhibition as an artist shedding his former photographer persona. And I couldn't think of a better venue to kick things off at than a local pub with visitors and friends.

Art is a community activity that brings people together for good conversation. I could have rented out a gallery-type space as my hub but this wouldn't be my first choice in how I'd like to show my work. Probably not even my second choice. I had a conversation with my father-in-law a few short years ago when he mentioned to me that I should have an exhibition in Kolkata of the pictures I had created there and that he could arrange it for me. Apart from the fact that I wasn't ready at the time, I told him that my dream location for an exhibition in Kolkata would be at a nearby railway colony with trains running up and down from either direction. Guerilla style. Framed prints propped up where the locals could walk by and enjoy. Sharing my work directly with my subjects who wouldn't ordinarily ever visit an art gallery. And if something like this weren't pragmatic, then someplace public like a cafe or brewpub -- places I'd typically go with friends or family. Something like today.

Thanks to (Instagram profiles) @alokanandadasgupta and @shaz.3.0 for helping out today. A big shoutout to @natureworksindia for producing these beautiful prints and to @drifterscafeandbar.bandra for providing their lovely venue for the event. And thanks to those who purchased one of my first editions.

There are a few framed prints left that I'd love to find homes for here in Mumbai or in India. I also have approximately 20 prints or so of each image that I can ship internationally.

Video was taken right after setting up.