A vociferous champion and documenter of India’s invaluable and fast-disappearing cultural wealth.
Curated by: Rupali Sebastian
Photographs: Courtesy Anil Dave
Half a century of extensive travels all over India to photograph architecture, art, craft, events and lifestyle have resulted in a rich repertoire of work for Dave. From old Goan homes to Mumbai’s Art Deco buildings, from elements such as decorative iron work to architectural fenestration, this award-winning photographer has captured it all.
“The homes people have lived in, the edifices they have built, give us an insight into the lives and times of different areas. (It) gives the rich variations of landscape and climate, the influences of conquerors and colonists, the home building choices, whether of forest dwellers or urban sophisticates,” says the senior photographer. “Unfortunately, much of this invaluable heritage is being demolished or altered, under a range of pressures: rising real-estate prices; changing commercial priorities; often, a meaningless craze to appear modern, and even more often, alas, sheer ignorance.
“Before we lose it all completely, we need to record at least a little of this treasure. For several years now, my camera has wandered across the country, to look beyond the magnificence of marble and the polished gleam of wood, to catch glimpses of the past, both remote and recent. The soaring devoutness of Chola Kings, the dreams of Mughal emperors and colonial traders, the perceptions of Ratwa village folk and Toda tribe… all these, and more, are being brought together in photographs in an attempt for us to learn and understand a little more about ourselves.”
Anil Dave commenced professional photography in 1971.
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