PNC – A Virtual Exhibition

Known for his acclaimed exhibitions on Bollywood personalities like Amitabh Bachchan and Javed Akhtar, photojournalist Pradeep Chandra is adapting to the post-Covid world by going virtual. In 2020, he will hold a series of virtual exhibitions on interesting personalities and subjects. The first of the series will showcase works on noted poet and filmmaker, Pritish Nandy followed by another on actress and social activist Shabana Azmi.

“The virtual exhibition that I have conceived will be a trendsetter in many ways. Cutting edge technology and artistry has been used to give a real gallery-like feel to the virtual exhibition. I want my visitors to feel that they are in an art gallery and not viewing the exhibition from their home or laptop. I have tried to replicate the perception and vision one would experience when visiting an art gallery for an exhibition,” says Pradeep Chandra.

He will launch open his first virtual exhibition on June 9, 2020. The exhibition titled, PNC – A Virtual Exhibition will showcase rare photographs of Pritish Nandy with a variety of public personalities in various moods and settings. It will be showcased for a period of two weeks and will conclude on 23 June. The second virtual exhibition, on Shabana Azmi, will be launched in July 2020.

“While photography is the foundation of my art, I have always been experimentative. In 2003, my exhibition, ‘Shekhawati’, for the first time in India imprinted photography on canvas. This gave a surreal, painting like effect to the photographs, which enhanced the theme. In 2008, I teamed up with leading artists to create mixed art on canvas with photographs as the base. Today, I am trying my hand in virtual exhibitions. I have always believed that art progresses when the artist innovates,” adds Chandra.

“Both the subjects are intimately known to me. I have worked with Pritish Nandy and have known him for almost four decades. My bond with Shabana Azmi is equally strong. I have been photographing her from almost the beginning of her career,” concludes Pradeep Chandra.

Pradeep Chandra has been a popular photo-journalist with The Times of India, Bombay Times, The Week and many other premier publications. He is also an author and occasional painter. His work has been showcased across the globe. His famous exhibition on the plight of Kashmir Pandits was well appreciated. To celebrate 50 years of Independence, he also did an acclaimed exhibition in Mumbai. Chandra’s tribute exhibition to Amitabh Bachchan on his 61st birthday at J W Marriott was inaugurated and praised by Mr. Bachchan, as well as the press. He has written a coffee-table book on M F Husain and another on Amitabh Bachchan, besides penning books on Abhishek Bachchan and Aamir Khan. His forthcoming book is titled Mumbai- City of Gold.