Floating Monuments

Talking about his journey of photographing these monuments,Jamal says,“I was dependent on the monsoon. I would visit these monuments when the clouds gathered and I felt it would rain. As soon as I found water around the monuments,I would start clicking.” In case of Humayun’s tomb,whose clear reflection can be seen in still water in one of the photographs,he says,“There is a fountain around it and I did not want to shoot when the fountain was running because the image would not have been clear and sharp. I want the audience to stare at my images. I would wait for the monument to be closed to the public and,just before the gates shut,I would start shooting. I had to get my shot in 10 minutes.”

Fascinated by monuments,Jamal says that this is his way of getting youngsters interested in Indian history. “Even people of my generation have little knowledge about our history and drive past these monuments without stopping. Everyone likes watching movies and browsing social networking sites but very few have time to visit these monuments and know their stories,” he says.

The title of the show,“Aks-O-Aab-Reflections On Water”,sounds as intriguing as the works. Jamal helps solve the mystery: “It is a translation of the words ‘reflection’ and ‘water’ in Persian,where aab means water and aks means reflection.”

Jamal is quick to point out that he is often asked if his images have been Photoshopped. Even his friends need convincing that they are not.

For his next project,Jamal wants to capture the reflections of historical monuments across India. May the rain gods smile.

The exhibition is on display till July 31 at India Habitat Centre,Lodhi Road. Contact: 24682001