Engagement, empathy, education–how Museum of Art and Photography brings history and culture to life
In this photo essay, we feature creative works by Indian photo-journalism pioneer TS Satyan, along with other MAP exhibitions.
Launched in 2014, PhotoSparks is a weekly feature from YourStory, with photographs that celebrate the spirit of creativity and innovation. In the earlier 715 posts, we featured an art festival, cartoon gallery. world music festival, telecom expo, millets fair, climate change expo, wildlife conference, startup festival, Diwali rangoli, and jazz festival.
Creative works of one of India’s photojournalism pioneers are on display from August to December at the Museum of Art and Photography (MAP) in Bengaluru. Titled With great ease: The photography of TS Satyan, it showcases how photojournalism can stretch beyond traditional confines into the world of art.
Dancer and Teacher Reflected in Mirror
In this photo essay, we also share glimpses of other exhibitions at MAP, such as VISIBLE/INVISIBLE: Representation of Women in Art; Jyoti Bhatt: Time & Time Again, and the sculptures of Stephen Cox (Dialogues in Stone). See our earlier article on the opening of MAP in February 2023 here.
Born in Mysuru in 1923, Satyan passed away in 2009 at the age of 86. His scribbled notes at the back of his photographs reveal clues into how he described his works and reactions. The wide range of his works capture crucial historical moments while also uncovering human and emotional aspects of his subjects.
Tenderness, joy, respect, and curiosity are reflected in the works showcased in this photo essay. From politicians and soldiers to women and children, his lens has captured a wide spectrum of themes and moods.
Untitled (Mumbai)
“As a museum, we have foregrounded different aspects of his work–his special eye, his empathy and engagement, and the keenness with which he devoted himself to his work,” Kamini Sawhney, Director, MAP, tells YourStory.
Satyan’s works have appeared in Indian newspapers as well as international magazines like LIFE and TIME, and have been displayed at the UN General Assembly in New York City. His family trust has gifted MAP his collection of over 21,000 prints, negatives, and newspaper clippings.
Now what have you done today to pause in your busy schedule and showcase the breadth of your creative side?
New Hope for the Disabled
Tubectomy Camp
Flash Floods
AIIMS
Gomateswara
Iron and Steel Works
(L to R): Arnika Ahldag, Head of Exhibitions; Kamini Sawhney, Director, MAP; Prachi Gupta, Senior Archivist
Children from the Banni Grasslands
A Face, 1979
VISIBLE/INVISIBLE: Representation of Women in Art (1)
VISIBLE/INVISIBLE: Representation of Women in Art (2)
VISIBLE/INVISIBLE: Representation of Women in Art (3)
Interactive digital exhibition
Dialogues in Stone - Stephen Cox
(All photographs taken by Madanmohan Rao on location at MAP.)
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