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Vignettes Of India In Chicago

Shanthi Shankarkumar in Chicago

Many years ago, the celebrated photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson described India (and Mexico) as a "haven for the heart".

His description gained substance in a traveling exhibition called India: A Celebration of Independence, 1947- 1997.

The exhibition, on view through December 30 at the Chicago Cultural Center, offers images of India through the lens of outstanding Indian and non-Indian photographers, including Cartier-Bresson.

Organized by the Alfred Stieglitz Center of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the exhibition has already toured Europe and India in last two years.

The 250 images by 21 photographers attempt to capture the overwhelming change in the social, economic and cultural life of a land so vibrant it has been said it is impossible to take a bad picture in India.

There are the expected "exotic" pictures of India: Mary Ellen Mark presents a snake charmer with his snake and daughter; Charles Lindsay offers images of the Maharajas. Besides, of course, the riveting pictures Cartier-Bresson took during the Independence era. These pictures capture the intensity of emotions and the made-for-camera personalities of that era, including Gandhi.

Several of his photographs feature Sri Ramana Maharishi, including ones taken of him when he was dying and of him being buried sitting because he was thought to have attained the state of a pure soul.

Among Indian photographers, Sunil Janah, Prashant Panjjar and Raghu Rai have their pictures on view too.

Rai's ethereal image of a 'Burning Ghat on the Banks of the Ganga' celebrates India's unique tapestry, weaving old and new together. Pamela Singh's pictures explore the changing role of women in contemporary India.

Dayamita Singh who interned with Mary Ellen Mark has taken some stunning "family" pictures of eunuchs and upper-middle class families. One picture, which hits an emotional chord, shows a group of young prostitutes rescued by the police. The despairing almost frightened looks in their faces makes the picture haunting for its stark realism.

Italian photographer Dario Mitidieri's pictures of a 'Children's Parliament' in Tilonia, Rajasthan capture an extraordinary experiment to teach democracy to rural children. Shepherds and farm laborers, from the ages 11 to 14, are shown staging parliamentary activities in the night schools and learning democracy the best way possible -- through experience.

To tie in with this major international exhibition the Chicago Cultural Center also organized a series of 'India' events with the active support of local Indians. There are almost 100,000 Indians living in the Chicago area.

There was a 'Diwali festival', dance performances, sari wrapping demonstrations, yoga demonstrations, cookery sessions, talks and a young people's concert featuring various Indian percussion instruments. There was a screening of Louis Malle's controversial Phantom India. Malle's son permitted this rare screening of what is considered to be one of the best documentaries ever made. It attracted huge crowds. There was also a screening of the Bollywood blockbuster, Dil to Pagal Hai.

"This very exciting major traveling photo exhibition provided us an opportunity to explore in depth India's arts and culture, not only in the visual arts and photography but also in the performing arts," said Linda Wedenoja, the Chicago department of cultural affairs public relations manager.

Starting December 16 through December 19, the Center will present events, which will tie in with one of Chicago's sister cities -- New Delhi. Visitors will get to taste, besides other things, authentic Delhi khana.

The Chicago Cultural Center is located at 78 E Washington Street. The exhibition is held in the Exhibit Hall and Sidney R Yates Gallery, 4th floor. For more information, contact Linda Wedenoja, (312) 744-1430

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