The Camera Club of New York, is one of the oldest art organisations that has had a tradition of creating an environment for discussions on photography. Though Alfred Stieglitz, was one of it’s most well-known members – many noted photographers have been seen at the club as either members or lecturers. Though, the Nazar Ka Adda, is not a a club but the initiative of the Nazar Foundation a not-for-profit organisation, it has slowly developed into a place where many photographic ideas are exchanged. And like the Camera Club of New York, many photographers have already passed through it’s door.
Nazar Ka Adda #21
On Sunday, the 13th of April, there was a gathering of many photo enthusiasts at Apex, for the Nazar Ka Adda. The distinguished speakers at the 21st edition of the Nazar Ka Adda were- Aditya Arya, Lynn Warshafsky and Jim Hubbard. The session began with Jim Hubbard, a photojournalist who worked for the United Press International and then went on start a program, in 1989 called- Shooting Back, an initiative to empower the youth. Though, Jim has taken pictures of celebrities like Bob Dylan and Cher and even made images of President Reagan and President Carter, the talk mainly focussed on social issues and Shooting Back.
Jim Hubbard
Lynn Warshafsky, The Executive Director of Venice Arts, discussed the works of her youth participants. Venice Arts has collaborated with Jim Hubbard on Shooting Back and Lynn has personally consulted with many foundations and NGOS. Prashant (Nazar foundation), made an observation- the work seems professional therefore, the vision behind the work appears to be of the photographer’s/Venice art’s and not that much of the kids. In response to that Lynn said,” We work with kids on the story and we show them alot of work. We work with people who have an aesthetic sensibility. The images from Shooting Back have to look powerful, otherwise, they won’t work.”
Aditya Arya, holding a copy of, ‘Re-imaging the people of India.’
Adita Arya, the Trustee of India Photo Archive, spoke about the Neel Dongre Awards for Excellence in Photography. It’s current exhibition hosted under the aegis of the grant, ‘Millennium Dreams’ and the previous one, ‘Re-imaging the people of India.’ Out of the eleven photographers who participated in the exhibition- Millennium Dreams , ten spoke about their works.
Starting from Dayanita’s talk on Friday; then attending the art night at Lado Sarai on Saturday- the Nazar Ka Adda, was the perfect closing to my Photo Weekend.
© Saadiya Kochar 2014
Forum For Contemporary Indian Photography 