Goa and Portugal has much to share in common. Odivelas, a city located near the Portuguese capital Lisbon will be a true centre of unification of the culture of all participant countries and their communities in the VII Biennial of Lusophone Cultures, starting from May 2. The upcoming May will be a month of happenings at the Town Hall of Odivelas. What would this Biennial offer? An event where, through visual arts, literature, music, theatre, dance and gastronomy, the Portuguese language and the culture of the Portuguese speaking countries are celebrated, Biennial also displays the culture of countries where the Portuguese language has historically played a relevant role.
This is the first time after two events that the organisers have invited an artist from India and a photographer from Goa - Harsh Kamat. “I believe representing my nation and state is a huge honour,” says a visibly happy Harsh who has been invited to present an individual exhibition of his photographs at the Malaposta Cultural Centre.
“Another of my photograph has been selected for the VII Biennial of Lusophone Cultures,” shares this promising youth who has been invited to present an individual exhibition of his photographs at the Malaposta Cultural Centre during May 8-30. The opening of the Biennial of Lusophone Cultures will be on May 2 with a Solemn Session at the Exhibition Center of Odivelas.
In this photography exhibition Harsh will display his collection of 27 works, earlier showcased in Goa, titled ‘Story of a Pause’ at Kala Academy in October 2018. Describing ‘pause’ as a temporary stop in action or speech when it is a noun, Harsh points out that when it is used as a verb, it means interrupt action or speech briefly, halt or wait. So what is a ‘pause’ when it relates to photography?
For Harsh, life is an ever-evolving, vibrant medium and the world is in a permanent state of flux. People, sights, thoughts and seasons flash by, fading into one another day in and day out. Memories play out like a broken film reel. While most recollections will eventually grow hazy, a handful of moments shall continue to remain fresh with every detail etched in our very being, ready to be summoned and relived at will.
“That is the power of a serene pause; a moment lingered on for just a moment longer and preserved forever,” observes this young photographer who is obsessed with life. It is life that keeps him going and it is life that he enjoys capturing in his works, frame after frame. “My frames seem incomplete without a stroke of life. I need nature - anything that represents life - a small leaf, a tiny flower or even a shoot sprouting out of earth if not a face. It is this zest for throbbing life that keeps me grounded,” admits Harsh.
A pause slows down time and magnifies the heart-breaking beauty of the world. In doing so, it becomes a story which demands to be told. Harsh tells this story each time when he take a photograph. His photographs speak for him. Words play a silent role in expressing his narratives. An upcoming photographer based in Goa and Mumbai, Harsh has already established his stronghold in wedding photography before turning to specialise in advertising photography.
Exploring all avenues, he is now out to capture the world of colours through his lens and make the world read the stories behind the pictures.
Born in a home where music, art, literature and theatre are worshipped, teenager Harsh first fell in love with photography in the wilderness of Goa when he was just 17. Eventually he graduated with Sociology and Geography from Parvatibai Chowgule College in his hometown Margao before pursuing his calling - photography. Harsh then moved to Lisbon (Portugal) where he completed his Master’s education in
Contemporary Arts at the prestigious Ar.Co: Centro de Arte & Comunicação Visual.
Lisbon gave him the opportunity to work as an intern in commercial photography. While he is fluent in English and Konkani, Harsh can also converse in Portuguese, Marathi and Hindi.
Harsh has displayed his photographs at various exhibitions and has had his woks published in several reputed national and international magazines and newspapers. He also visits various institutions as an expert faculty and is very active as a public speaker across various platforms. His work reflects his sheer love for life and every day is a new start for exploring a fresh ways to capture all that the world has to offer.
