Have you heard about the Chennai Photo Biennale?
If someone had asked me this before 2019, I might have said “No,” but not anymore. My first encounter with the Chennai Photo Biennale (CPB) was in 2019, thanks to Instagram. Back then, they were hosting the captivating “CPB Edition 2” across Chennai’s most prestigious and tourist-worthy architectural sites.
What is the Chennai Photo Biennale?
For those who aren’t familiar, the Chennai Photo Biennale (CPB) is a non-profit organization with a mission that goes beyond just displaying photographs. CPB is dedicated to supporting photographic art and the artists who use it to reflect our social and cultural landscapes. Since it began in 2016, CPB has organized a variety of events like workshops, presentations, educational programs, and exhibitions by partnering with the Goethe-Institut and other cultural centers to make photography more accessible and meaningful to the public.
My First Experience: CPB Edition 2
Before 2019, Chennai didn’t offer many opportunities to experience such large-scale photographic exhibitions. The CPB Edition 2, which took place from February 22, 2019, to March 24, 2019, was the first photographic exhibition I ever attended, and it left a lasting impression. I was amazed to discover that such a passionate group was bringing something as wonderful as this to Chennai—a city I thought I knew so well.
During my visit, I explored three historically rich venues where different collections of photographs were on display: Madras Literary Society, Egmore Museum, and Madras University. Other notable galleries and venues included The Government College of Fine Arts, VR Mall, and InKo Centre, among others. The event staff and volunteers were incredibly helpful, making the experience enjoyable even for a first-timer like me. I’ve shared a few pictures from my visit in this post—moments that have survived in my photo gallery and my memory. It is amazing how events like this promote proximity tourism.
Just looking at these venues list itself makes you realise that it covers most of the Northern Chennai. Participating in visiting these photo galleries and venues will not only allow you to experience something different but also let you be a part of something great. It will also allow you to visit a different part of Chennai where you have never been before even though you are born and raised in this very same city.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Chennai Photo Biennale
Participating in the Chennai Photo Biennale is more than just an opportunity to view incredible photography; it’s a chance to explore parts of Chennai you might not have visited before. This event covers many of the city’s northern areas, offering a unique way to experience Chennai while being part of something truly great.
CPB Edition 4: What to Expect
Now, the reason I’m writing this update is to share the exciting news that the Chennai Photo Biennale is back with its 4th edition, and it promises to be a thought-provoking experience. This year’s theme, “Why Photograph?”, delves into our relationship with photography in an era of visual saturation. “visual saturation” refers to the overwhelming abundance of images and visual content we encounter daily, particularly in the digital age. With billions of photos taken and shared every day, our world is flooded with images, making it harder to find meaning or significance in each one.
As per their website – This Biennale will feature a diverse array of artists who are reshaping dominant narratives by addressing gaps in representation, remixing colonial visual vocabularies with native avant-garde aesthetics, and shifting the focus from the lone photographer to collective authorship. This Biennale isn’t just for photographers—it’s for anyone who’s curious about how photography shapes our world.
The 4th edition of the Chennai Photo Biennale will run from December 20, 2024, to March 16, 2025. This edition will also mark the first-ever International Open Call, inviting photographers and artists from around the world to submit their work under the broad theme of “Why Photograph?”. Selected works will be exhibited in public spaces across Chennai, continuing CPB’s tradition of bringing photographic art to the people.
Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or a curious amateur, the Chennai Photo Biennale offers an exceptional experience. Being in Chennai, it feels like a responsibility to support this mission by participating or even volunteering for CPB Edition 4. Most of the venues are free to visit, so make plans to explore Chennai through this exciting lens! They’ll be announcing the venue details soon.
Support CPB: How You Can Get Involved
Like any non-profit organization, CPB relies on support to continue delivering such high-caliber events. If you’re interested in contributing more, donations are welcome. I’ll share links to their website and Instagram below for updates on the event, venues, and how you can make donations.
Let’s hope some of us get to meet during these eventful months at one of the Chennai Photo Biennale’s partnered venues! Don’t forget to register for free before visiting, and stay tuned for more updates from my visits.
And don’t forget to like the post and also share with all your friends and family who you want to take for the upcoming exhibitions.
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