Tucked away in the back streets of North Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), close to the banks of the Hooghly River, is the area known as Kumartuli, or Potters Town. The area of Kumartuli is over 300 years old. The area survives today although the potters employ many of the traditional methods used by their ancestors. The local resident community of artisans earn a living by sculpting the various idols for the various festivals.
This area is a photographer’s paradise. The lanes are cramped, the streets often dirty and filled with clay, animals and people living they daily lives. It is fascinating to watch the people at work. All around are idols in various stages of creation (depending upon the time you visit), clay is being worked, straw and bamboo structures being fixed, and faces being sculpted and subsequently painted.
During my 4 month stay in Kolkata I found myself drawn to this area and visited on multiple occasions. It seemed natural therefore, to use a handful of the images taken as the basis for my October photo essay. October in Kolkata is festival rich, or at least, October 2014 was festival rich. At the very beginning of the month, they people of Kolkata celebrate the Durga Puja one of the biggest festivals in Kolkata. I missed that one, but was present both for Diwali and Kali Puja. There are several images of the goddess Kali included in the essay. At the end of the Puja, the idols are immersed in the river, where, as all the component parts are biodegradable the idol returns to the elements.
The clay is sourced directly from the river and delivered in the evenings to the artisans. Bamboo poles are transported down the river to Kumartuli together with the straw that is used.
Visually compelling first image Sarah, and the rest as well. Amazing profile of of an organic hands on custom. The focus being on the artistry rather than the characters is a welcome change. An enviable experience indeed.
An interesting photo essay in the classical, Nat-Geo style. So the images are largely about their subjects rather than about the photography, at least as a first impression. But a longer look discloses some very clever photographic choices that elevate without getting in the way.
Indian craftsmanship is quite good, but Indian art is universally awful. This is folk art, which is pretty awful world-wide I suppose, but even the 'high' art is painful in India.
It's an instructive and worthy photo essay. Thank you.
What a story here! I am yet to read the entire description that you are sending us to but I love that we got your first hand impression, that we feel the clay and almost participate in the ritual.
There is one shot that I find enormously touching: the maker blessing his work. It feels as if they feed each other with these spiritual waves of the ritual.
The last picture is an amazing cry of farewell and desperate pain of the separation. Or so I feel it.
Most impressive. Perhaps you'll show us a little more of the place.
Sarah, this is terrific! Your travels take you to exotic and delightful places.
With this essay you've taken me to a place I know nothing about and will probably never have the opportunity to see. For me, you included just enough information without being redundant. This is a careful balance that's difficult to achieve in a photo essay. Your photographs are beautiful and genuine. By this, I mean no tricks or gimmicks were used to make this something it's not. With a subject like this why would you want to. Thanks