This is Home.

Home is what we came back to after an exhausting day at school. Home is what we thought of on our way back from work. We came home after a long and tiring day. And then, one day in the early summer of 2020, we were quarantined in our homes. Boundaries of school and play became hazy, forms of work and rest blurred and our definition of home melted like a biscuit in our evening tea.

In late 2021, CPB Prism, held a series of photography workshops with children from Chennai and Delhi in an effort to revive the crumbled definition of home. The workshop explored the various meanings of home that have emerged since the start of quarantine and our developing relationship with home. 

This exhibition, This is Home, showcases the journey of rediscovering home in times of pandemic. The photographs in the exhibition reflect the continuous dialogue the eighteen participants of the workshop had with their environment and how those conversations are translated into an image.

The exhibition explores these multitude of dialogues and discoveries through five perspectives: House, People, Objects, Neighborhood and Self. Through each of these perspectives, the participants construct a new narrative of home grounded on an increasing familiarity with the new environment.

Artists

Deepak

17, Delhi

Diya

18, Delhi

Faizan

16, Delhi

Hammad

18, Srinagar

HariniPriya

Harinipriya

14, Chennai

Jayathra

Jayathra

14, Chennai

Kaviya

Kaviya

14, Chennai

Manisha

13, Delhi

Neeraj

16, Delhi

Noor-e-Saba

14, Delhi

Rakshita Rajagopalan

Rakshita

16, Chennai

Santino

Santino

14, Chennai

Samyuktha

13, Chennai

Shravan Rajagopal

Shravan

12, Chennai

Shubham

16, Delhi

Tanijashri

Tanijashri

13, Chennai

Vineet

16, Delhi

Yaswan Gurudev

Yaswan

14, Chennai

Home as House

When the voices of the classmates filled the bedrooms of our participants early in the morning, mixed with the whistle of cooker from the kitchen, the standing notion of home as house began to fall apart. The bedroom became the area to study, to rest, to play and to sleep. The four walls of the house had to soon accommodate all aspects of life. It was in an attempt to rationalize the chaos, the young photographers set out to explore how they have developed a new relationship with their house. From forging secret spots to seeking morning peace, the participants explore spaces in their house that have evolved in its uses and now offers itself as a place of respite and relaxation.

Home as Loved Ones

The old proverb Absence makes the heart grow fonder found new meaning in a quarantined life. From not being able to see friends and close ones for an extended period of time to living in constant and close proximity with family members; the relationship with people changing. Living in the constant presence of people around us demanded empathy and support. It is the translation of these virtues into action that our participants set out to capture. In this perspective, the participants explore the many forms of intimacy, warmth and belonging while balancing it with its binary opposite- yearning, isolation and melancholy. The photographs showcase the sense of acceptance and comfort offered by people in our immediate surroundings while constantly praying and hoping for safety of loved ones separated by distance and circumstances.

Home as Object

Our favorite objects conceal our many secrets, hopes and aspirations. Objects transcends itself from its form and function to become totems of time lost or future yet come. It is to capture the voices concealed in the objects we surround ourselves with, our participants probed into their environment and to see it deeply. From the photo frames on walls to family histories tucked away in an old almirah, from clothes kept on the distant chair to the tiffin box now resting on the top shelf of the kitchen, the objects in our immediate space convey our multiple identities. It is through these objects, the participants set out to explore and express themselves and find a sense of easement and reassurance. These photographs are results of the multiple journeys and shapes these dialogue took as each participant approached the objects in their unique manner.

Home as Neighborhood

In the times of pandemic, the sense of community strengthened. To protect ourselves from the invisible virus, communities bonded together and formed a tightly packed support system. The members of our community and the shared public spaces offered a small bubble of safety and cheer. While the life as we knew it was temporarily was put on hold, the members of the shared community took up roles of mentors and confidants, offering the temporary respite from a mundane life. From a quick session of tittle-tattle to offering a willing ear, the members of our community came together to form an ecosystem of compassion and empathy. The built environment also contributed to these tiny ecosystems where shared spaces became spots of social interactions and daily rituals. Through this perspective, our young photographers explore the public spaces and their new ecosystems. In addition to taking photographs, our participants also incorporated the presence of sounds in their surroundings that shaped their environments.

Check out the video to experience the sounds captured by the participants:

Home as Self 

A single letter word I. The concluding perspective of the exhibition focuses on the enduring strength that stems from a source within us. Celebrating the persistence and perseverance of the human spirit through challenging times, the participants approach themselves and their inner voice of reason, stamina and will. Reflecting on themselves and the individual journeys undertaken by them through the course of a pandemic that continues. Discovering joys and sense of humor and a constant attempt to discover themselves through the hard and the easy times, the perspective celebrates the self as the very first home that houses our essence and shelters us from the world.

This project has been made possible through the dedication and hard work of the participants of this workshop to whom CPB Prism extends their heartfelt gratitude. The team would also like to acknowledge the generous contributions and faith of our contributors NalandaWay Foundation and Photo SouthAsia to whom we are deeply indebted.

For more information and behind the scenes fun, check out our blog here


Visit Us!

2/342 A, 1st Cross Street, AGS Colony, Kottivakkam, Chennai - 600041

Our doors are open from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM from Monday to Friday.

Contact
Connect
The Morning Star, ๐Ÿ“ธ Rakshita.

The Morning Star, ๐Ÿ“ธ Rakshita.

A Continuing Assurance, ๐Ÿ“ธ Faizan.

A Continuing Assurance, ๐Ÿ“ธ Faizan.

Lingering Memories, ๐Ÿ“ธ Harinipriya.

Lingering Memories, ๐Ÿ“ธ Harinipriya.

A Safe Place, ๐Ÿ“ธ Diya.

A Safe Place, ๐Ÿ“ธ Diya.

One Morning, ๐Ÿ“ธ Santino.

One Morning, ๐Ÿ“ธ Santino.

A Corner Of This World, ๐Ÿ“ธFaizan.

A Corner Of This World, ๐Ÿ“ธFaizan.

In Comfort of The Known, ๐Ÿ“ธ Samyuktha.

In Comfort of The Known, ๐Ÿ“ธ Samyuktha.

Into A  Quiet Place, ๐Ÿ“ธ Noor-e-Saba.

Into A Quiet Place, ๐Ÿ“ธ Noor-e-Saba.

In Strange Places, ๐Ÿ“ธ Tanijashri.

In Strange Places, ๐Ÿ“ธ Tanijashri.

Wall Hangings, ๐Ÿ“ธ Shubham.

Wall Hangings, ๐Ÿ“ธ Shubham.

Standing By The Window, ๐Ÿ“ธ Kaviya

Standing By The Window, ๐Ÿ“ธ Kaviya

Scene From A Hazy Day, ๐Ÿ“ธ Hammad.

Scene From A Hazy Day, ๐Ÿ“ธ Hammad.

The Blue Door, ๐Ÿ“ธ Shubham.

The Blue Door, ๐Ÿ“ธ Shubham.

Sheltered, ๐Ÿ“ธ Rakshita

Sheltered, ๐Ÿ“ธ Rakshita

A Person I Love, ๐Ÿ“ธ Samyuktha

A Person I Love, ๐Ÿ“ธ Samyuktha

A Conversation, ๐Ÿ“ธ Faizan.

A Conversation, ๐Ÿ“ธ Faizan.

Through The Tress, Into The Light, ๐Ÿ“ธ Santino.

Through The Tress, Into The Light, ๐Ÿ“ธ Santino.

Four Walls Of My Family, ๐Ÿ“ธ Faizan.

Four Walls Of My Family, ๐Ÿ“ธ Faizan.

In Close Promximity, ๐Ÿ“ธ Yaswan.

In Close Promximity, ๐Ÿ“ธ Yaswan.

Memories, ๐Ÿ“ธ Noor-e-Saba.

Memories, ๐Ÿ“ธ Noor-e-Saba.

Amma, ๐Ÿ“ธ Santino.

Amma, ๐Ÿ“ธ Santino.

Afternoon Nap, ๐Ÿ“ธ Shubham.

Afternoon Nap, ๐Ÿ“ธ Shubham.

We, the Family, ๐Ÿ“ธ Samyuktha.

We, the Family, ๐Ÿ“ธ Samyuktha.

In A Place Of Mine Own, ๐Ÿ“ธ Deepak.

In A Place Of Mine Own, ๐Ÿ“ธ Deepak.

A Shared Longing, ๐Ÿ“ธ Hammad.

A Shared Longing, ๐Ÿ“ธ Hammad.

Two Drivers One Wheel, ๐Ÿ“ธ Noor-e-Saba

Two Drivers One Wheel, ๐Ÿ“ธ Noor-e-Saba

Morning Routine, ๐Ÿ“ธ Santino

Morning Routine, ๐Ÿ“ธ Santino

Amma, ๐Ÿ“ธ Neeraj.

Amma, ๐Ÿ“ธ Neeraj.

Memories of A Playground, ๐Ÿ“ธ Santino

Memories of A Playground, ๐Ÿ“ธ Santino

Grace Of My Grandmother, ๐Ÿ“ธ Vineet.

Grace Of My Grandmother, ๐Ÿ“ธ Vineet.

In A Room For More, ๐Ÿ“ธ Noor-e-Saba

In A Room For More, ๐Ÿ“ธ Noor-e-Saba

In A Upside Down World, ๐Ÿ“ธ Deepak.

In A Upside Down World, ๐Ÿ“ธ Deepak.

Shades Of Blue, ๐Ÿ“ธ Samyukta

Shades Of Blue, ๐Ÿ“ธ Samyukta

Nostalgia, ๐Ÿ“ธ Hammad.

Nostalgia, ๐Ÿ“ธ Hammad.

Trends Around The World, ๐Ÿ“ธ Santino

Trends Around The World, ๐Ÿ“ธ Santino

Tools From My Fathers Toolbox, ๐Ÿ“ธ Deepak.

Tools From My Fathers Toolbox, ๐Ÿ“ธ Deepak.

Morning Lotus, ๐Ÿ“ธ Tanijashri

Morning Lotus, ๐Ÿ“ธ Tanijashri

Coming Home, ๐Ÿ“ธ Faizan.

Coming Home, ๐Ÿ“ธ Faizan.

History is Round, ๐Ÿ“ธ Jayathra

History is Round, ๐Ÿ“ธ Jayathra

Mother Comes Home From Work, ๐Ÿ“ธ Deepak.

Mother Comes Home From Work, ๐Ÿ“ธ Deepak.

A Wall Of My Memories, ๐Ÿ“ธ Rakshita

A Wall Of My Memories, ๐Ÿ“ธ Rakshita

Sister/Following Shadow, ๐Ÿ“ธ Faizan.

Sister/Following Shadow, ๐Ÿ“ธ Faizan.

At The Bottom Of This, ๐Ÿ“ธ Samyuktha

At The Bottom Of This, ๐Ÿ“ธ Samyuktha

Brother and His Toys, ๐Ÿ“ธ Deepak.

Brother and His Toys, ๐Ÿ“ธ Deepak.

Evening In The Garden, ๐Ÿ“ธ Santino

Evening In The Garden, ๐Ÿ“ธ Santino

On Dusk, ๐Ÿ“ธ Faizan.

On Dusk, ๐Ÿ“ธ Faizan.

Mirror On  The Wall, ๐Ÿ“ธ Shubham.

Mirror On The Wall, ๐Ÿ“ธ Shubham.

An Evening in the Gully, ๐Ÿ“ธ Faizan.

An Evening in the Gully, ๐Ÿ“ธ Faizan.

Window Shopping, ๐Ÿ“ธ Kaviya

Window Shopping, ๐Ÿ“ธ Kaviya

Community Temple, ๐Ÿ“ธ Diya.

Community Temple, ๐Ÿ“ธ Diya.

Empty  Platform On A Busy Day, ๐Ÿ“ธ Yaswan

Empty Platform On A Busy Day, ๐Ÿ“ธ Yaswan

Doorway Into A Home, ๐Ÿ“ธ Noor-e-Saba.

Doorway Into A Home, ๐Ÿ“ธ Noor-e-Saba.

Under The Vast Sky, ๐Ÿ“ธ Rakshita

Under The Vast Sky, ๐Ÿ“ธ Rakshita

Anthill, ๐Ÿ“ธ Deepak.

Anthill, ๐Ÿ“ธ Deepak.

A Passing Bubble, ๐Ÿ“ธ Yaswan

A Passing Bubble, ๐Ÿ“ธ Yaswan

Walking In The Light, ๐Ÿ“ธ Manisha.

Walking In The Light, ๐Ÿ“ธ Manisha.

Lost Landmark, ๐Ÿ“ธ Neeraj.

Lost Landmark, ๐Ÿ“ธ Neeraj.

Colors and Glee, ๐Ÿ“ธ Shubham.

Colors and Glee, ๐Ÿ“ธ Shubham.

Aganist The Glorious Sky, ๐Ÿ“ธ Neeraj.

Aganist The Glorious Sky, ๐Ÿ“ธ Neeraj.

A Meeting Point For Two, ๐Ÿ“ธ Noor-e-Saba

A Meeting Point For Two, ๐Ÿ“ธ Noor-e-Saba

Reflecting on Water, ๐Ÿ“ธ Harinipriya

Reflecting on Water, ๐Ÿ“ธ Harinipriya

Duality, ๐Ÿ“ธ Faizan.

Duality, ๐Ÿ“ธ Faizan.

Reflecting and Capturing, ๐Ÿ“ธ Rakshita

Reflecting and Capturing, ๐Ÿ“ธ Rakshita

The Trees That Represent Me, ๐Ÿ“ธ Hammad.

The Trees That Represent Me, ๐Ÿ“ธ Hammad.

Light Up, ๐Ÿ“ธ Tanijashri

Light Up, ๐Ÿ“ธ Tanijashri

A Constant Companion, ๐Ÿ“ธ Deepak.

A Constant Companion, ๐Ÿ“ธ Deepak.

Hello To The World, ๐Ÿ“ธ Santino

Hello To The World, ๐Ÿ“ธ Santino

Unwavered, ๐Ÿ“ธ Noor-e-Saba.

Unwavered, ๐Ÿ“ธ Noor-e-Saba.

My Virtual Face, ๐Ÿ“ธ Shravan

My Virtual Face, ๐Ÿ“ธ Shravan

Self in Selfie, ๐Ÿ“ธ Shubham.

Self in Selfie, ๐Ÿ“ธ Shubham.

On Walls Of My Home, ๐Ÿ“ธ Hammad.

On Walls Of My Home, ๐Ÿ“ธ Hammad.