New Delhi, 19th July, 2013:- Apne Aap Women Worldwide, a registered charitable trust in India committed to work towards the empowerment of girls and women today organized its first series of “Terrace Talks” session in collaboration with Rang – A Delhi based community of young artists, at their head-office at India International Centre, New Delhi. The session was moderated by Ram Rahman, a renowned photographer, curator & activist. The theme of the session was on the lines of the history and culture of photography.
The interactive session was organized to reach out to budding artists, photography enthusiasts, academicians and activists to discuss their vision on the art of photography from the contemporary perspective. An open library set-up was also organized to display Ram Rahman’s collection of photography books. The library showcased these books in a bid to promote visual arts and provide an easy access to those who otherwise have a hard time procuring these exclusive books. The collection will be renewed from time to time.
The cue for the same came from the Open Library established by the Rang team in 2011 which currently has a collection of 600 -700 photo journals, books and catalogues. The members of Rang also participated in the discussion and shared their valuable insights on the theme of the session.
Speaking on the occasion, Abhilasha Kumari, Director Apne Aap said “Apne Aap has initiated the Terrace Talks series to bring together people from different walks of life to discuss and debate issues of social concern by using art as a medium. We are overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response from the participants and look forward to organize similar sessions in future as well.”
She further added, “These sessions will be organized on a monthly basis to facilitate discussion sessions, workshops, movie screening, exhibitions, panel discussions on subjects of gender issues, society, activism etc.”
Ram Rahman is a passionate activist and has been associated with issues related to the society. During the session, he delved into the works of some famous artists and expounded on how they played a role in shaping history and creating various trends such as futuristic, realism, modernism, surrealism and so on.
Speaking at the session, he said “Photography has had a social connect right through history and has played a big role in changing laws.”
While taking the audience through his collection at the open library, he said, “Young photographers must know why these books are important and how they can impact one’s idea of photography”. He also added, “A picture doesn’t always have to be hugely dramatic; an ordinary picture can be filled with dramatic elements.”
The session concluded with the audience perusing the fascinating range of journals. The library shall remain open to all those enthusiastic about art and photography from Monday to Friday between 9:30 am to 6:00 pm.
About Ram Rahman-
Photojournalist, artist, curator, designer and activist Ram Rahman, initially studied physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Later, Rahman completed a degree in Graphic Design from Yale University’s School of Art in 1979.
Born in 1955, Rahman has shown his photographs in individual and group shows in India and around the world. His most recent solo shows include, ‘Bioscope: Scenes from an Eventful Life’ presented by Bodhi Art at Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi, in 2008; Apparao Infinity, Chennai, in 2007; ‘Photo Studio / Cutouts’ at India International Center, New Delhi, in 2003; and ‘Visions of India: Photographs by Ram Rahman’ at the Cleveland Museum of Art, Ohio, in 2002. Amongst his group shows, the most recent are ‘Still Moving Images’ at the Devi Art Foundation, Gurgaon, in 2008; ‘Click: Contemporary Photography from India’ at Vadehra Art Gallery, New Delhi, in 2007; ‘I Fear, I Believe, I Desire’ at Gallery Espace, New Delhi, also in 2007; and ‘Middle Age Spread at the National Museum, New Delhi, in 2004. Amongst the shows Rahman has curated are ‘Heat – Moving Pictures Visions, Phantasms and Nightmares’ at Bose Pacia, New York, in 2003; ‘Noor – Devyani Krishna, A Retrospective’ at the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, in 2000; and ‘Sunil Janah Photographs, A Retrospective’ at Gallery 678, New York, in 1998.
Rahman is one of the founding members of the Safdar Hashmi Memorial Trust (SAHMAT) in New Delhi, a leader in the resistance to communal and sectarian forces in India through its public cultural action. The artist lives and works in New Delhi.