Art plays a vital role in our society

BANGALORE: Photography  defines the art and science of symmetry. Capturing the beauty of raw emotions, this artistic medium has created new realms of simplicity. Focusing on architecture and urban landscapes, Pallon Daruwalla has experimented with diverse styles ranging from abstract subjects to nature. “Art is an essential component of our survival,” said the photographer.  Exhibiting some of his interesting industrial and cultural experiments with photography, Pallon intended to paint a different picture for urban landscapes with Folios — a collection of imageries of nature, people and abstract images on archival paper at Sublime Art Gallery recently. In conversation with City Express, the photographer reveals his true identity as an observer and artist.Tell us about yourselfWell, I have been a professional photographer for over 14 years now. Over the years, I have travelled all over the country and captured anything that has interested me. Along with fine art photography, I have also worked on several locations specific series. Something about photography always interested me as a child. I wished to do something with respect to fine art or contemporary photography. And, if not photography, I would have been an architect. So, I can safely say that I have merged two of my best interests and today architectural photography has become my profession.What does your latest exhibition offer?Folios is basically a collection of diverse imageries. Each one is a numbered edition and archival paper has been used for the photographs. I hope they become collectibles some day. It is sort of a refreshing take on collecting photographs. Each folio is numbered, dated and signed and is from a limited edition of just 250 prints. The prints are all museum quality giclee, made using archival inks on archival paper. In fact, each set is presented in a custom folio and sealed.How do you go about capturing images?Sometimes, I go with a frame by frame reference but most of the times I can picture the entire scenery in my head. I don’t really have to go too close to my subject. Technicality does play an important role in capturing an image. I move around and play a lot with angles. When I see a frame I capture it. I don’t delve too much into the finer aspects or details at that moment. I do a lot of landscape photography too. I prefer urban landscapes and industrial photography. One thing that really excites me about photography is that ultimately, it is my vision or message that I would like to put out there.Can you tell us about some of your projects?Well, I was commissioned to shoot the tallest buildings in the country which are located in Mumbai, when it was still under construction. That was a fabulous experience. Also, the rustic wall paintings of Varanasi have so much character in them. I haven’t shot much abroad though. We have many interesting features to capture in India. I love shooting architecture. There’s something about old landscape that entices me. I used to do a lot of portraits earlier. In fact, I was the official photographer for Miss World. But, then I have moved on. I love black and white photographs. However, sometimes you can capture innocence and simplicity in colour too. For instance, some of the photographs with tribal paintings need to be shown in colour.Where do you think fine art photography stands today?Well, the whole concept of fine art photography has taken new meaning over the years. And, it is quite an interesting  genre. Of course in India, it is the new ‘collectible’. Earlier, only paintings and sculptures held special importance in the art sector. Today, with institutions archiving photographs, collecting both old and new ones and documenting them with precision; fine art photography has definitely taken the whole art world by storm. What do you think is the importance of art in our society?I think art is necessary for the physical, mental and cultural development of a person. It plays a vital role in our society. I often find that the passion that art instills in all of us is extremely powerful. In fact, true appreciation of life stems from art. It opens up new possibilities at every juncture. That’s the beauty of it. You tend to see and learn a lot more. For instance, I seek beauty in subjects as boring and mundane as industrial photography. If you take a look at the photographs of Russell market exhibited as a part of Folios, you will find symmetry in cob-webs and broken panes. I think art should be appreciated or criticised sincerely. As a body of work, you should judge art based on its own merit. It is easy to get carried away with art. We may not always comprehend the true meaning or hidden intention that each and every artist wishes to bring out. Nevertheless, it is important for all of us, to make an attempt to understand the message.