Visit to the Gallery

Unlike usual days, today I woke up early, completed the morning rituals hurriedly and stepped out to visit the gallery and meet my team. I was excited to view the gallery where Zarah is hosting its third annual exhibition. A boring car ride soon gave way to an interesting space and I was awe-struck by its sheer simplicity and beauty.

I have never been a part of any exhibition before, so I was quite curious to know what goes into the process of managing the logistics, how do the galleries function and finally how an exhibition is organised. Arpana Fine Arts Gallery is managed by the renowned artist, Arpana Caur and her mother, Ajeet Caur. I was surprised to know that the space not only has a gallery but also a Women’s Empowerment Centre, which supports underprivileged women and girls and imparts vocational training and basic education to them. I was fascinated by the works of Arpana Caur that were displayed in the gallery right next to the one where we were sitting. Her ‘Day and Night’ series was splendid and I stood there, totally captivated. The free library and reading room was another delight for me. As Archie, Shivangi and Barnita discussed about the paintings and photographs to be exhibited there, I sat there silently, observing their discussion and ideas. The gallery space was vast but they were worried about the arrangement of photographs, paintings, projector and screen. Measurements were taken, calculations were made and they enthusiastically threw ideas at each other. It was quite an experience for me, because not only was I learning the basics of organising an exhibition but was also getting to know the team better. I realised the toughest part was the management of logistics. Still, it did not stop me from imagining those three days in August when our exhibition will be organised. And it felt beautiful. I soon got back to work, clicking photographs of the venue and the team.

We were waiting for Aastha, the design intern but after an hour we decided to drive to The Potbelly Cafe in Shahpur Jat, a few kilometres away from the gallery. Over delicious Bihari food and beverages we discussed the entries sent by the participants, the curatorial process was quite engaging and exhaustive. Further discussions again got back to logistics and management. With all the enthusiasm we wrote down our duties and pending tasks. Soon  Archie, Barnita and Shivangi started sharing the memories they had from the previous exhibition, how it feels to be a part of it and knowing it won’t last for long. I was touched after hearing their words and knew the mix of excitement and emotions they felt. I could feel a part of it too. The day concluded with scrumptious pineapple cake, another visit to the gallery and a realisation that a lot more needed to be done.

Itinerary

Vintage Camera Effect

Ever wanted to get the Vintage Camera Effect without compromising quality? Want to shoot Vintage Style pictures from your DSLR?

Here’s how:

 

Take a dab of Vaseline and apply on your UV FILTER (Never directly on the Lens) in a circular motion.

 

Make sure that the Vaseline never comes in contact directly with your lens. Once you are done applying the Vaseline on the UV Filter just go outdoors and take pictures like these.

 

Cleaning Instrustions:

1. Remove the UV Filter from the Lens.

2. Wipe of the extra bits with Tissue Paper.

3. Clean with Rubbing Alcohol/Spirit/Soap Water without scratching the UV Filter.

 

-Archie Misra

 

Images by Jose Villa, Lifehacker and Nphotomag.

A New Beginning For Me

Braving the blazing sun I somehow managed to reach the  Zarah office, where it was my first day of work. The office reminded me of the garage of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak from the movie, ‘Pirates of Silicone Valley’. Set up in an old basement, the office proudly housed books on art, architecture and design, and a rusted miniature of the Eiffel Tower. I met Archie while he was anxiously typing a letter on his laptop and Barnita was making frantic calls to the sponsors. I felt proud because I was on time and had a lively interaction with the founders. But my pattern of punctuality was soon disrupted upon knowing that the director sahiba was going to be an hour late. So, I took some time out and decided to roam around. CR Park is quite an interesting place actually and has a lot to offer, apart from the overpowering Bangla brotherhood. I was mesmerized by the ruins of Chandralok cinema hall and my mind leaped back to the 90s, thinking how it would have been back then, full of life and people. The Kali Mandir and street food were a different experience altogether.

Coming back to the office, I was greeted by a big smile. Shivangi was finally here. As we sat down to discuss work, she told me about the theme of this year’s exhibition- ‘Bimb Pratibimb: Reflections of the Self and Society’. The theme explores the disturbing dichotomy between the individual self and the collective society. With the motif of mirrors, this year’s exhibition seeks to unite the two extremes as much as it attempts to separate them. The desires and ideas of the self constitute the society, and the self is in turn shaped by the societal forces and social regulators. I feel that the theme is relevant to the current times when we are faced with socio-political struggles worldwide, modern-day revolutions being born in Delhi and Turkey, conflicting identities that are imposed on the people with alternative sexuality and the schizophrenic duality of the linguistic, religious or regional minority groups. How does an individual respond to the Other when the Self is unknown, unexplored? I was wondering how the answers can be sought to these uncomfortable questions. Does the individual self have the capacity to change the society? Can Gandhian idealism work in a degenerated social apparatus? How does the ordinary struggle of a poor man turn into a powerful revolution? As I was spiraling down in my train of thoughts, I noticed the trio discussing about the potential venues for the exhibition. I was surprised to notice their commitment and dedication to each and every task, down to its minimum detail. I felt glad that I was a part of such a promising organisation whose focus is not only on art but also on the social issues around them. Having the most substantial of reasons, I am pretty sure that we will organize a grander show this year.

With a warm feeling in my heart, I soon reached back home, exhausted and low on energy. But it feels beautiful to be a part of something which is honest in its work and sincere in its efforts.

So, here I am-a part of Zarah, writing and researching for the organisation. You will be seeing me here more often and I am proud that I am walking on the road less taken.

By – The Nish 

Gallery Days.

 

So I was out today with Barnita looking at different galleries and exhibition spaces. We went to a few air-conditioned offices, lots of time in the car without air conditioning(low on fuel) and a very hot day.

We went around Shahpur Jat, Lodhi Road and Jorbagh until we found a place we liked. The place is huge, like FREAKING HUGE but we are still in talks to confirm the place. Although getting it exhibition ready is going to take a hell lot of work.

Lets all hope for the best.

Love,

Archie

The Zarah Internship 2013

We have been around for almost 3 years now. We are 2 exhibitions and a few workshops old.

However we did not want to be 3 people doing all the work all the time. So here’s presenting the Zarah Internship for the year 2013. Through this internship we seek to give you a chance to work with us and give shape to your ideas and put your talents to good use. All the work that you do for us can directly go into your portfolio and the internship adds a little more colour to all your already colourful resumes.

The period of the internship is from June 2013 to August 2013, when our annual exhibition happens. It is not a full time internship and the timings are flexible. You would be required to drop in to our office for a couple of hours or so at least 3 days in a week. You would be provided with a working area in our office and lots of cool air in these hot Delhi months.

After the exhibition you will get a chance to join us as a Core Team member if your work is satisfactory and your work ethics match ours.

Follow the link below to download the internship kit. Read the guidelines, fill up the form and send it to us at zarahdelhi@gmail.com with the subject as “Zarah Internship 2013” followed by your name.

The applications close on the 13th of May and we will begin meeting you from the 15th until the 22nd of May. The selected internees will be informed via e-mail on the 25th of May and the internship would begin on the 1st of June.

Internship Kit.

Zarah Internship Application Guideline | Zarah Internship Form 2013

Photography Workshop by Vijay Katé

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This Sunday morning was not a usual lazy one. Second day of our workshop and we were excited enough to skip our breakfast. While chairs, tables and banners were easily managed, setting up the projector took most of our time. It was quite pleasant to have a few participants well before the scheduled time. And soon a few others joined in. And then a few more. We could notice the excitement of spending the morning with the eminent concert and dance photographer in their eyes, in their conversations and in their anxious smiles.

As the day progressed, we greeted an enthusiastic crowd of photographers, who had joined us in waiting for Vijay Katé. It was already 10AM. Sensing the awkward silence, Archie and Barnita told Shivangi to break the ice and ask everyone to introduce themselves. And what followed was an interesting round of introduction. With smiles and giggles, everyone introduced themselves and some talked about the nature of their work while others mentioned their reason to attend a workshop by Katé. It was great to have a mixed crowd of semi-pros and beginners. And while we were beginning to wonder what to do next, Vijay greeted us with an affectionate smile. He infused the room with more life, more energy.

The session began with Vijay talking about the basic rules that photographers must adhere to and the common mistakes they should avoid. He talked about emotions playing a vital role in the domain of photography and advised the participants to pay special attention to the emotions, mood and sentiment of a moment. Vijay made it clear that there are no short cuts or easy way around with concert and dance photography. He believes that a photographer needs to research on the subject he’s going to click in order to understand and appreciate the art better and also to anticipate the next moment which is worth capturing. Participants were awestruck by some of the beautiful photographs he had clicked and did not hesitate in asking questions on technique, camera prices, lens quality etc.

Vijay and the participants also discussed and debated on certain ethical issues pertaining to photography. After a few more tips and tricks by the ace photographer, the session was opened to discussion of the photographs sent by the participants. As Vijay Katé analysed and commented on the works of the young photographers, he also gave valuable suggestions as to how they further improve these photographs.

With casual banter, some serious questions, jokes on alcohol and technical doubts, the session concluded by 1PM. While we gave voice to a heartfelt thanks to Vijay and the photographers, he made sure that he carried the fun outside the café and did not let it fade away.

Sketching Workshop by Shohei Emura

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First day of the workshop, a lot had already been done, a lot was still left to do. We were nervous but confident about this new format we were working with. So while Archie and Shivangi took care of the logistics, Barnita and Priyanka made sure that the banners were up and the direction signs were in place. Amidst all the running around, quick phone calls, last-minute checks, hollering and pat-on-the-backs, we found artist Shohei Emura in a corner, quietly working on some beautiful sketches.

The rains had spoiled most of the fun but we were happy to see the participants slowly pouring in. It was interesting to see Shohei interact with the participants. The session began around 10 AM, with the participants and the artist discussing about themselves and their art. A few were fashion technology students, while others were budding architects. Some participants also studied psychology and literature. With such a diverse group, the interaction acquired a meaningful dimension with the participants getting acquainted with various other academic disciplines and knowing about art from varied perspectives. Shohei began by talking about the correct way to sharpen a pencil and threw an open-ended question to the participants asking them about their views on the difference between simply viewing a photograph, clicking a photograph on your own and sketching. After a series of creative answers, Shohei talked about the importance of visualization. He then asked the participants to choose from an assortment of  objects- cabbage, scissors, onion, brinjal, pen, basket, box, cap, glue stick, tape, paper clip, comb, tooth brush, lotion bottle and even an Eiffel Tower!

They had around three minutes to look at the object, memorize its details, its functions, its intricate details, and visualize it. While the participants closely analysed their object, Shohei made sure that he helped them with his wise and encouraging words. He talked about the formal and informal aspects of visualization and memorization. And he did not forget to fit in a joke or two! After the three minutes were over, participants had to keep their objects away and use their skills to draw the object from their memory. The artist made it a point to go to every participant’s desk and look at their work, giving suggestions and motivation. He also talked about the technical concept of light and shadow and how it is crucial to understand the complexity of their nature in order to be able to sketch well. Many participants picked up more objects and sketched even more.

The session concluded with a discussion on Manga art form that Shohei Emura specializes in. His comics ‘Mice Will Be Mice’ was an instant hit with the participants and many were excited to have his autograph on their copies of the comics. With our creative levels soaring high and a cheer in our heart, we said goodbye to a day beautifully spent.

Comic Con 2013

On February 8th 2013, the team of Zarah headed out to check the biggest congregation of art nerds in Delhi along with two of our favorite people in the world. This year’s Comic Con was much bigger than last year’s, in terms of attendees, cosplayers, stalls and coolness. There were purebred comic book publishing houses that had made their way here, along with the funkiest merch stores around. One publisher, however much I wanted to see them, was still absent. Hope you come soon, Dark Horse.

Anyways here are some pictures from the day, Enjoy.

Archie

Its been a while, how have you people been?

It’s been more than a month since we updated anything. College catches up to all of us in the end. So what have you all been up to?

We had a few team meetings regarding the magazine but are yet to agree to some solution which agrees to all 4 of us. Some avenues are really difficult to address when it comes to implementing them in a magazine. Specially Paintings and such. All 4 of us are enthusiasts at best, neither are we that gifted in the medium and nor do we keep that much knowledge. However Zarah does involve that as an integral part of its functioning, something that we can’t leave out so lightly.

Let’s not get bogged down with all the serious talk.

We have also been planning to hold some casual meet and greets where we discuss certain peoples work, we all get to learn a few things and chat up with new and interesting people. We are however a little unsure as to whether it will hit off with such gusto. What are your views on it? Would you folks be interested?

Comment or write into us – zarahdelhi@gmail.com