Media Release
Bengaluru, Feb 4: Award winning ace photographer, ad film maker and a wildlife conservationist Annechira Shiva popularly known as Shiv Gandhi, inaugurated the exhibit of his rare and prestigious collection of photographs at his maiden photo exhibition, ‘Scapes of India’ at RêVES Art Gallery.
The exhibition will be available for patrons to visit till Feb 11, 2019, from 10am to 6pm. The pictures captured during his passionate photographic journey are a rare collection covering nature including mountains, rivers and some mesmerizing pictures of lesser known travel destinations.
The event was inaugurated by ace wildlife photographer Dinesh Kumble alongside other dignitaries that included Ivan Nigli, former MLA and chairman of Anglo Indian Unity Center, Naina Malika, co-founder, Bangalore Tours & More, Mohammed Roshan Faruqi, HOD, Zoology department, Almeena Degree College, Sr Simha Shastry, wildlife conservationist, editor and publisher, Adventure and Wildlife Magazine, Vinny Hernier, expat from Bengaluru and other dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion, the host Shiv Gandhi said, “I am extremely thrilled with the fabulous response we have received at the launch of ‘Scapes of India’. These pictures you see today are a result of more than two years of my hardwork and dedication. Conservation of nature and wildlife are two aspects that are close to my heart. I have taken immense effort to bring out these pictures in a way they actually played out in my mind when I was clicking them. These pictures have very minimal post production work to ensure the natural flavour is intact. I invite all photo enthusiasts around Bangalore to visit the exhibition in the coming days and have a look at my work.”
On the sidelines of the launch a panel discussion titled ‘The Perspective Changer – Adding Scale to Scapes’ was moderated by Sameera Fernandes, Greener Steps. The discussion shed light on various aspects of landscape photography, protection of environment, wildlife conservation and responsible tourism.
Travel and Nature Photography is not as easy as ‘just Click’, says Shiva. The sketch/framework of the image created in his mind, which then is slowly and carefully nurtured into series of thoughts linking it to its heritage, history, present and to its timeless beauty. These deep compositions in his mind create an imaginary picturesque of the scene. He transfers this imaginary picture into his Camera. This requires perfect lighting knowledge, combination of various angles, camera
adjustments, and indeed lots of patience and perseverance. His photography brings about a stronger emphasis on nature’s aesthetic value as he gives life to the images utilizing nature’s lights, communicating to us the mysterious, awe-inspiring hidden wonders and facts of the nature.
The collection at ‘Scapes of India’ will be available for patrons in 3 sizes -12x18, 16x24, 20x30 inch sizes.
Profile
Annechira Shiva popularly known as Shiv Gandhi is a professional photographer from Bengaluru. He grew up with sketches and painting in his tender age. His obsession with art grew tremendously and he nourished it into a passionate hobby during his college times with the help of camera rolls. After his graduation in Electronics Engineering, he went on to work as a photojournalist and editor with America Online for almost 8 years.
The intense desire as an artiste deep within him triggered to an extent that he decided to take up photography as his profession, independently. This passion has driven him to extensively travel, to a magnificent mix of wild life, historic places and also nature’s less travelled destinations. His photography not only puts-forth sunning Nature, but its untamed life too.
Travel and nature photography is not as easy as ‘just Click’, says Shiva. The sketch/framework of the image created in his mind, which then is slowly and carefully nurtured into series of thoughts linking it to its heritage, history, present and to its timeless beauty. These deep compositions in his mind create an imaginary picturesque of the scene. He transfers this imaginary picture into his camera. This requires perfect lighting knowledge, combination of various angles, camera
adjustments, and indeed lots of patience and perseverance.
His mind does not compromise, till it is satisfied when it compares the imaginary image to the captured one. This calls for a lot of struggle within and without in terms of appeasing the hunger in his mind for that image. Hours and hours go by waiting for that precious moment to captivate that shot, that capture which becomes a priceless beauty and an historic past, he says past because, that lighting, climate, and moment is gone and cannot be captured again, as Nature keeps changing its canvas. He is ready to go above and beyond to make the current and future generation to vouch for the protection of resources. Love Nature, Nature Loves you back forever.
His photography brings about a stronger emphasis on nature’s aesthetic value as he gives life to the images utilising nature’s lights, communicating to us the mysterious, awe-inspiring hidden wonders and facts of the nature. His images captured with so much of physical and mental involvement does not need much retouch, he does not favour retouching the Images / interference of too much photoshop with the captured image. His photography not only invokes strong feelings within us, but transports us to that very scene/place. Shiva believes original and natural is priceless.
His current passion is to pay tribute to world renowned painting into photographic images without the use of any photographic strobe lights. He has mastered the technique of creating painting like images by using primitive lighting methods. He spends considerable amount of time in understanding and experimenting various methods to create unique images.
Shiva has also depicted the lifestyle of various personalities including actors, models, dancers, writers, musicians, politicians, businessmen and sports personalities through editorial and commercial assignments. His works were appreciated and awarded the 'Best Lifestyle Award' in the year 2016.
He handles sophisticated cameras like Mamia, Hasselbald and Aria with ease. He gives life to his images through his artistic mind frame and acquired technical knowledge.
About the Gallery
RêVES Art Gallery - Jayanagar, Bengaluru
RêVES Art Gallery (RAG) established in 2015, is a true fine art destination for art lovers, connoisseurs and investors, who can find their best choices. The art that RêVES showcases enables an art collector to locate a very rich and beautiful artistic wealth, comprising of a marvellous blend of both, traditional and modern Indian art. The gallery warmly extends its support to the budding artists by helping them put their best foot forward to tread well in the realms of art.