ABSTRACT
In the ancient city of Banaras, where myths weave through narrow lanes and the Ganges flows as a sacred lifeline; fables, mythologies, and mysteries seamlessly blend into everyday life. Amidst the streets alongside the sacred river, Banaras emerges not just as a geographical entity but as a realm where the boundaries between the divine and mortal blur.
Through the lens of an artist the city becomes a visual evidence of this intersection between gods and mortals. Revealing the essence of the holy city, Shalini captures the ancient metal idols of gods with their intricate castings, embodying centuries old craftsmanship and unwavering faith. These statues stand as testaments to the presence of the divine in a city where belief has outlived time.
The saffron robes of ascetics reflect not just their physical attire but the spiritual intensity that surrounds them. In these garments, worn by those who have renounced worldly attachments, Shalini captures a vulnerability in the presence of something greater, a humility that permeates every frame.
Amidst Banaras’ labyrinthine lanes, ancient trees and temples, these photographs stand as silent witnesses to the city’s architectural and spiritual heritage. Weathered structures, steadfast through centuries, embody the passage of time and the continuity of belief. Each temple and tree becomes a repository of faith, outliving the lives of those who seek solace and enlightenment within their shadows.
The Ghats of Banaras, where the sacred waters of the Ganges embrace the departed in final rites, form a focal point of the artist’s work. Here, amidst rituals and prayers that echo through the riverbanks, the artist captures the human quest for peace and spiritual fulfilment. The ghats themselves, steeped in tradition and reverence, convey a belief in the eternal cycle of life and the solace found in sacred rituals.
In her portraits, children dressed as gods and goddesses embody the myths and legends that permeate every corner of Banaras. A young boy with his face painted blue becomes the mighty Lord Shiva, exuding a divine aura beyond his youth. Similarly, a little girl adorned with vibrant bindis becomes Parvati, embodying the grace and strength of a goddess. These images reflect not just visual narratives but a deeper understanding of a city where belief shapes identity and pilgrimage becomes a journey of the soul.
For the artist, these photographs are more than mere documentation, they become a tool to explore and interpret Banaras, a city where every stone tells a story of devotion and eternity. The photographs capture moments frozen in time, revealing Banaras as a place that outlives mortal lives through its ghats, ancient architecture, majestic gates, and the sacred rivers.
In the contemporary art landscape, where replication is effortless, Shalini finds photography to be her medium of choice, one that can capture the dynamic essence of the city with its myriad moments, from mundane to the sublime. Central to her practice is the exploration of photography as a communal medium, breaking barriers, fostering collective experiences of a city where humans are more than mere objects frozen in time.
Through the artist’s lens, Banaras emerges not just as a city but as a living embodiment of spirituality, a testament to the power of belief and the timeless allure of the spiritual capital. Where each photograph becomes a portal into a world where faith humbles and beliefs endure- a testament to the power of myths and mysteries that define Banaras.
All frames of this exquisite body of work are captured by Shalini Passi through the lens of her Nikon and Leica camera.
Text By: Rageshree Ranade
