Tiffinbox

Inspiring Photographers

Pinaki Chakravarthy

by

Via Prashant Mullick

Pinaki001

“Knives that will draw blood hours later string into picture.

In bunches at the end of chains, they will be used to lash backs and remind Muslims of the massacre of the prophet Muhammed's grandson, Imam Hussain.

Other dagger-like knives will be held in the hand to cut vertically into the forehead.

Here, they're put on display, for sale. Imamwada Road, deep in the heart of Bombay's traditional Muslim stronghold, is lined with thousands of knives, and buyers, every year.”

I know I am in good company when I see quotes from Pablo Neruda, Matsuo Basho and Wynton Marsalis sprinkled across a photographer's web site. Pinaki Chakravarthy has been at it for a long time. His images from the flower market are my favorite as he has let the ambient light dictate the colors in the frame.

But the one above arrested my attention for the most obvious reason of all – curiosity. What were they and how were they to be used? In my opinion, an image devoid of people in its frame can still make it a portrait. This one speaks of a community. This image of knives slung across a wire in pregnant anticipation of skins, blood and passion is terrific. I would love to see more of these kinds of images in this young photographer's portfolio.

Seshu | Editor & Publisher

Seshu | Editor & Publisher

Seshu is an Avon, Connecticut based headshot photographer and family portrait photographer. He edits and publishes Tiffinbox and produces Tiffincast for photographers like you!