Photo 2012

Kalam Patua uses the stylistic language of Kalighat temple painting to blend Hindu iconography with contemporary scenes, placing the gods within the fabric of daily life. Beyond reach and Photo are part of an extended series entitled ‘Photography’, in which a man with the blue skin of Vishnu or Krishna is shown holding a camera. Beyond reach clearly references the iconic painting of the celestial nymph Urvashi by Raja Ravi Varma – a depiction exploring the tragic outcome of mortal and divine union. Photo shows two friends self-consciously posing for the camera, with New Delhi’s iconic Lotus Temple behind them. Patua’s depiction subtly suggests the goddess Lakshmi, who is associated with the lotus and is sometimes represented as two individuals to represent her dual aspects – earthly and divine – here echoed in the figures of the two women.