Why Photograph? A 90-Day Celebration of Art, Culture, and Collective Storytelling Across Chennai
Sunil Gupta, The New Pre-Raphaelites #13, from the series ‘Love & Light: A Site of Infinite Possibilities’. Courtesy of the artist and Chennai Photo Biernnale.
Chennai Photo Biennale (CPB) Edition 4: Phase 2 Now Open
The Chennai Photo Biennale (CPB) Edition 4, themed “Why Photograph?”, draws inspiration from Dayanita Singh’s exploration of the question, delving into our evolving relationship with photography in a visually saturated era. With 20+ exhibitions and numerous programs across 90 days, CPB4 transforms Chennai into a city-wide canvas for lens-based art.
Biennale Timeline
- Phase 1: Opened on December 20, 2024
- Phase 2: Opened on January 23, 2025
- Phase 3: Opens on February 14, 2025
- Biennale Closing: March 16, 2025
The Biennale’s multi-phase structure introduces fresh exhibitions, performances, and events with each phase. Exhibitions are hosted at public spaces and galleries across Chennai, presenting a dynamic interplay of global and local perspectives on photography.
Highlights of Phase 2
Primary Shows
- “Love and Light: A Site of Infinite Possibilities”
- Venue: Government Museum, Egmore, Chennai
- Dates: January 23 – March 16, 2025
- A retrospective of celebrated photographer Sunil Gupta, curated by Charan Singh, exploring queer identity and activism through photography. Presented by Tarun and Tarana Sawhney, with support from Vadehra Art Gallery and others.
- “What Makes Me Click!”
- Venue: Government Museum, Egmore, Chennai
- Dates: January 23 – March 16, 2025
- This interactive exhibition features 20 photography projects by children from around the world, curated by CPB Foundation and the Children’s Photography Archive (UK). Supported by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, it highlights playful activities and installations for all ages.
- “CPB4 Open Call Showcase”
- Venue: VR Chennai
- Dates: January 23 – March 16, 2025
- Showcasing works by 40 photographers selected from 30+ countries, this exhibition features single images and photo essays chosen by an international jury.
- “Alt: Analog”
- Venue: Forum Art Gallery, Chennai
- Dates: January 16 – February 15, 2025
- A darkroom residency showcase by Indian and UK artists, including Ārun (Chennai), Holly Birtles (UK), and Soham Joshi (UK), supported by the British Council.
Invited Projects
- “For the Love of…”
- Venue: InKo Centre Gallery
- Dates: January 10 – February 22, 2025
- Featuring works by Cop Shiva and Lim Soo-Sik, curated by Nandini Valli Muthiah.
- “Footprints on the Moon” by Dheeraj Khandelwal
- Venue: Art Kin Center
- Dates: January 17 – February 2, 2025
- “Photography Strictly Prohibited”
- Venue: Folly, Amethyst, Chennai
- Dates: January 18 – January 28, 2025
- A retrospective of Navroze Contractor, presented by Navjivan Trust and the National Photography Festival.
- “Lalit Mohan Sen Archives: An Enduring Legacy”
- Venue: Alliance Française Madras Gallery
- Dates: January 18 – February 16, 2025
Phase 1 Recap
- “Vaanyerum Vizhuthugal” (Roots that Reach for the Sky)
- Venue: VR Chennai
- Dates: December 20, 2024 – March 16, 2025
- A showcase of 12 Tamil Nadu-based artists, exploring local narratives through lens-based practices.
- “It’s Time. To See. To Be Seen.”
- Venue: Lalit Kala Akademi, Chennai
- Dates: December 20, 2024 – March 16, 2025
- Women photographers respond to global issues through diverse photographic practices.
- “Madras Margazhi: Portraits by Amar Ramesh”
- Venue: Narada Gana Sabha, Chennai
- Dates: December 20, 2024 – February 3, 2025
Upcoming in Phase 3
- “Kaana Katral” (Learning to See)
- Featuring graduate students from Chennai-based institutions.
- Venue: VR Chennai
- Dates: February 14 – March 16, 2025
- “Hey!”
- A celebration of photography by neurodiverse individuals.
- Venue: VR Chennai
- Dates: February 14 – March 16, 2025
- “The Unseen Archive”
- Exploring Lakshmikantan’s work in Tamil cinema over five decades.
- Venue: TBD
- Dates: February 15 – March 16, 2025
Key Program Weekends
- January 13 – 31, 2025
- February 14 – 23, 2025
- March 14 – 16, 2025
These weekends will feature exhibition tours, talks, panel discussions, workshops, film screenings, and more. Stay updated via the CPB website and Instagram.
Support and Partners
CPB4 is made possible with the support of Goethe-Institut Chennai, Tamil Nadu Tourism, The Hindu, TNQ Publishing, British Council, Pro Helvetia, and numerous other sponsors and collaborators.
For more information, please visit Chennai Photo Biennale.
