“The Bodyguard Lane Album is a tribute to the four generations of families who have lived on an ever-changing street in South Bombay for decades. These photographs are some of the few that have survived through the inexorable cycles of monsoons and evictions. Stemming from a desire to preserve their past and restitute their presence in the collective memory of the city they inhabit, this collection also stands as an homage to the anonymous studio and itinerant photographers who captured their lives using as their backdrops the cityscapes, and at times, a fantasised reality.
We hope this experiment can encourage artistic and social initiatives that work towards dignity and respect of marginalised communities and their individuals, to help them assert their identity and give value to their available resources.”
Exhibited at Focus Photography Festival Mumbai, 2017.
The work comprised of a video installation, an outdoor print exhibition and a publication.
CREDITS
BIND: Philippe Calia, Andrea Fernandes, Nishant Shukla, Asmita Parelkar and Sunil Thakkar.
Publication Design: Alice Leborgne
Project Assistant: Abhinav Sharma
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Anita Kharwa, Madhu Kharwa, Birju Kharwa, Parmila Kharwa, Kavita Kharwa, Lali Kharwa, Anju Kharwa, Brijesh Arya, Leena Patil, Subhash Rokhade, Paul Michelon, Sonali Udaybabu, Joshua Crasto, Sunita Didi, Rajeev Thakker, Estelle Berruyer, Rouksana Simjee, Elise Foster Vander Elst, Sair Raut, Annakarin Quinto.
With the support of Institut Francais/French Embassy in India and FOCUS Photography Festival
In association with Pehchan
Venue Partner: Kala Ghoda Association
Communication Partner: Alliance Française de Bombay