‘Click, Filter, Post’, pretty much sums up the tale of our lives and everyone (even my 4 year old cousin) seems to have become a pro at it. (Much Love to Instagram)..!
Validating our social presence has never been this easy before, all thanks to the digital media that look over our lives by storm. But then there are moments when i walk down the memory lane, zooming out to a decade, picturing the anonymous location of my Kodak analog Camera tucked into the most remote corners of my family locker (specifically to keep my eyes off it) only to be taken out during occasional ceremonies. I doubt seldom anyone who ever has a repository of their long time cameras, reels and photo albums ever consider it any less than a treasure trove.
Much to the dilemma of our generation’s limited 3’’x 6’’ lives, the relevance of these vestiges is vague until a revered platform is dedicated to connect these with the masses. And, so much to the delight of Delhiites, a museum dedicated entirely to photography featuring a collection of 800 antique cameras along with other paraphernalia is in the talks for all the right reasons. Curated by Aditya Arya- a photographer and visual historian who out of passion for his art has collected some exquisite pieces across years of exploration. Having pored over thousands of negatives & vintage prints, and expanding his knowledge for preservation, Aditya dedicates a hands on museum to the aspiring photography enthusiasts, a wonderful attempt adding another layer of artistical jamboree to the Capital.
The museum collaboration with Municipal Corporation of Gurugram is intended to introduce the digital audience to the history of analogue cameras & their evolution over the past more than 13o years. It promises to be one of its kind and we tell you we are more than happy for it will soon be unveiled in November (Not too far, yeah.!).
We have jotted five awesome reasons for you to absolutely look forward to it.
NO FUSS OVER RECORDING YOUR VISIT
A museum boasting entirely of photography is evident to promote it in every possible manner. A ‘camera not allowed’ signage here will be as absurd as somebody telling you not eat pasta when you roam in Italy.
*sigh*
‘EXCLUSIVELY RARE & AMAZING LOT’
Trotting countries down the globe and exploring every corner of the town, from buzzing flea markets to opulent international fairs and auctions and sometimes to hidden junk stores, makes one of a kind collection where some cameras even dates back to 1880s. Eastman Kodak, Leica Ansco, Zeiss, Graflex, and Thornton Pickard are few names among others.
MORE TO CAMERAS
The Museum will not just be limited to cameras. Multifarious photographic equipments will be up on the display besides the show stealers. Antique flash equipment, photographic films, lens enlargers, light meters and several rare tin types and daguerreotypes (first permanent images). Adding bits of nostalgia will be the print advertisements dating back to 1870s. Tickling the memory will be one for Eastman Kodak (1888) among others which reads ‘We press the button you do the rest’.
NOT JUST CAMERAS
Besides a humongous collection of vintage cameras, there will be works of India’s best photographers like Raghu Rai, Pablo Bartholomew and Homai Vyarawalla pinned across the space. Connecting the visitors with a sense of intrigue are these elements that beautifully weaves stories from the past events making the space all the more interactive.
In an interview with National Geographic Traveler India Aditya says,’ I want it to be a space that lives and breathes photography’.
PERKS FOR THE SHUTTERBUGS
Apart from the virtual inspiration, Aditya has crafted the space to give hands on lessons to the photography enthusiasts. The museum apart from the gallery also features workshops and dark rooms for people to learn and absorb every bit of their art.
We are so looking forward to November now.
Entry to the current museum is by appointment only.
Address: T23/5 DLF, Phase 3, Gurugram
Ticket: 300 for general, 150 for students and free for children.
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