Chennai Photo Biennale 2022: Exploring the various facets of home amid the pandemic

Amid the pandemic, our homes took on new meanings for each of us. Capturing these unique interpretations in the form of photographs is a new photo series, 'This is Home’, that reflects on the notion of home which is displayed as part of the ongoing Chennai Photo Biennale Edition III; Walking in the Light by Manisha, Home as Neighbours (Source: PR Handout)

The exhibit is a result of a series of photography workshops with children from Chennai and Delhi which focused on the subject of reviving the crumbled definition of home. The workshop explored the various meanings of home that have emerged since the start of quarantine and our developing relationship with home. The photo series from young participants reflects on the notion of home through five perspectives of House, People, Objects, Neighbourhood and Self. Through each of these perspectives, the participants construct a new narrative of home grounded on an increasing familiarity with the new environment, notes the press statement; Through the tress, into the lights by Santino, Home as Loved ones (Source: PR Handout)

The exhibition reflects the continuous dialogue the 18 participants of the workshop had with their environment and how those conversations have translated into a body of work, notes the press statement. The physical exhibition is on display at Dakshinachitra, SH 49, Muthukadu, Tamil Nadu up till February 28 from 10 am to 6 pm. You can also view it online at https://chennaiphotobiennale.foundation/prism/this-is-home; Scene from hazy day by Hammad, Home as House (Source: PR Handout)

Reflecting on Water by Harinipriya, Home as Self (Source: PR Handout)

Home as house: When the voices of the classmates filled the bedrooms early in the morning, mixed with the whistle of cooker from the kitchen, the standing notion of home as house began to fall apart. The bedroom became the area to study, to rest, to play and to sleep. The four walls of the house had to soon accommodate all aspects of life. It was in an attempt to rationalize the chaos, the young photographers set out to explore how they have developed a new relationship with their house. From forging secret spots to seeking morning peace, the participants explore spaces in their house that have evolved in its uses and now offers itself as a place of respite and relaxation; In comfort of the known by Samyuktha, Home as House (Source: PR Handout)

Home as objects: Our favorite objects conceal our many secrets, hopes and aspirations. Objects transcends itself from its form and function to become totems of time lost or future yet come. It is to capture the voices concealed in the objects we surround ourselves with, our participants probed into their environment and to see it deeply. From the photo frames on walls to family histories tucked away in an old almirah, from clothes kept on the distant chair to the tiffin box now resting on the top shelf of the kitchen, the objects in our immediate space convey our multiple identities. It is through these objects, the participants set out to explore and express themselves and find a sense of easement and reassurance; History is Round by Jayathra, Home as Object (Source: PR Handout)

Home as loved ones: The old proverb absence makes the heart grow fonder found new meaning in a quarantined life. From not being able to see friends and close ones for an extended period of time to living in constant and close proximity with family members; the relationship with people changing. Living in the constant presence of people around us demanded empathy and support. It is the translation of these virtues into action that our participants set out to capture. In this perspective, the participants explore the many forms of intimacy, warmth and belonging while balancing it with its binary opposite- yearning, isolation and melancholy. The photographs showcase the sense of acceptance and comfort offered by people in our immediate surroundings while constantly praying and hoping for safety of loved ones separated by distance and circumstances; Four Walls of My Family by Faizan, Home as Loved Ones (Source: PR Handout)

Home as neighbourhood: In the times of pandemic, the sense of community strengthened. To protect ourselves from the invisible virus, communities bonded together and formed a tightly packed support system. The members of our community and the shared public spaces offered a small bubble of safety and cheer. While the life as we knew it was temporarily was put on hold, the members of the shared community took up roles of mentors and confidants, offering the temporary respite from a mundane life. From a quick session of tittle-tattle to offering a willing ear, the members of our community came together to form an ecosystem of compassion and empathy. The built environment also contributed to these tiny ecosystems where shared spaces became spots of social interactions and daily rituals. Through this perspective, our young photographers explore the public spaces and their new ecosystems; Colors and Glee by Shubham, Home as Neighbours (Source: PR Handout)

A wall of Memories by Rakshita, Home as Objects (Source: PR Handout)

Home as self: A single letter word I. The concluding perspective of the exhibition focuses on the enduring strength that stems from a source within us. Celebrating the persistence and perseverance of the human spirit through challenging times, the participants approach themselves and their inner voice of reason, stamina and will. Reflecting on themselves and the individual journeys undertaken by them through the course of a pandemic that continues. Discovering joys and sense of humour and a constant attempt to discover themselves through the hard and the easy times, the perspective celebrates the self as the very first home that houses our essence and shelters us from the world; Reflecting and Capturing by Rakshita, Home as Self (Source: PR Handout)