Chennai: ‘A Land of Stories’ – a photo exhibition, organized by Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan, Chennai and CPB Foundation, was inaugurated by Honorable Member of Parliament, LokSabha, Tmt. KanimozhiKarunanidhi – at the Government Museum on the 26th of February, 2022.
Dr B. Chandra Mohan IAS. – Principal Secretary to Government Tourism Culture & Religious Endowments Department & Chairman, TTDC, Director of Tourism and Consul General Karin Stoll, Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Chennai were the guests of Honor at the exhibition jointly organized by Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan Chennai and Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation
The exhibition displays the works of 40 students from private and government schools including Kendriya Vidyalayas from across Tamil Nadu. Mentored by CPB Prism on iPhones, the children made the land and home as their muse and beautifully captured moments on the phones.
The entire art project is aimed at letting students explore the goodness of our state Tamil Nadu and to reflect its richness through their photographs. Photographs have the ability to freeze any moment and thus through the art project, students got an opportunity to experience all the diverse people, architecture, lush landscapes and cultural trails, thereby exploring the heritage of Tamil Nadu through their pictures.
The pictures display the state’s legacy, both natural and man-made, across its length and breadth. These unfiltered visions of the students narrate endless stories of Tamil Nadu, striking a compelling narrative.
Some of the young artists were present at the exhibition to explain their work to enthusiastic visitors.
After the lockdown we aimed to enable students to creatively rediscover their surroundings with new eyes. Thanks to the inspiring and educational workshops conducted by CPB PRISM the students were able to capture the beauty of Tamil Nadu in all its diversity. I was delighted to see the amazing works created by the students which made me want to explore all the places depicted, said Dr. Katharina Görgen, Director, Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan Chennai.
“We have been promoting photography amongst school children through various channels, giving budding photographers an opportunity to fine-tune their skills with new tips and techniques. After our training, students are better equipped to capture well-framed photographs, keeping in mind lighting, exposure, composition, and other elements of photography. All of our projects are designed to encourage connection and networking. However, during the pandemic, we also wanted to introduce students to photography as a way of helping their mental wellbeing,” said Habiba Begum, a mentor at CPB Foundation.
The student exhibition is open for viewing at the Government Museum, 406, Pantheon Road, Chennai-600 008 between 9.30 am – 5.00 pm (Closed on Fridays) and Government Holidays from 26th February to 17th April, 2022. The visitors are requested to abide by the COVID 19 protocols at all times in addition to the rules and regulations put forward by the Government Museum and event organizers.
Images for Press: A few of the artists work
About the Theme: A Land of Stories – A photo project by students from across Tamil Nadu. An amalgam of diverse people, unparalleled heritage and lush landscapes, Tamil Nadu is a land of rich stories. We invited young artists from Chennai and across the state to portray their hometown through their lenses. Mentored on photography using iPhones, students set out to capture photographs with the land as their muse, keeping a keen eye out for vivid colors, abstract shapes, eye-catching shadows, and compelling portraits.
