Can you imagine a news story without a photograph? In today's visually driven world, images are not just supplements; they are powerful narratives in themselves. Celebrating this essence of visual storytelling, the seventh edition of 'The Big Picture' exhibition is currently underway at the India International Centre in New Delhi. Organized by the All India Working News Cameramen’s Association (WNCА), the event spotlights the indispensable work of India's photojournalists.
A Canvas of History and Humanity
The exhibition is a formidable collection of over 250 photographs captured by 69 photojournalists. The range of subjects is vast, offering a panoramic view of India's socio-political and cultural landscape. Visitors can witness veteran V Rajagopal's iconic portraits of 12 Indian Prime Ministers, a visual chronicle of the nation's leadership. The display also includes Shailendra Pandey's compelling images of women Maoists in Dantewada, Kamal Kishore's exquisite avian photography, and Prashant Panjiar's vibrant frames from the Dongria Kondh tribe's Niyam Raja Parab festival.
The inauguration saw the presence of Union Minister Hardeep Puri, alongside veteran lensmen like V Rajagopal, SN Sinha, and Sondeep Shankar. The curation deliberately lacks a single theme, spanning festivals, daily life, conflicts, and disasters. This diversity, according to the organizers, is meant to showcase the sheer versatility and skill required to capture a moment that tells a complete story.
Upholding Ethics in the Age of AI
At a time when artificial intelligence can generate convincing imagery, the exhibition serves as a potent reminder of the ethics and authenticity at the heart of photojournalism. SN Sinha, President of WNCA and a veteran photojournalist, led a walkthrough, expressing concern that "photojournalism is dying." He emphasized the critical difference between a photographer and a photojournalist: the latter thinks before clicking. "Photojournalist pehle sochta hai, phir photo leta hai (A photojournalist thinks first, then takes the photo)," Sinha stated. He noted that while technology has made capturing an image easy, narrating a truthful story through it remains a challenging craft that is often undervalued in today's design-oriented media.
Echoing this sentiment, curator Sondeep Shankar, who spent over three months assembling the exhibit, called photojournalism "the visual documentation of history." He highlighted the exhibition's core aim: to encourage photojournalists to showcase their work, even if published before. More importantly, Shankar pointed out that the event is "an endeavour to uphold the ethics that photojournalists and camerapersons must adhere to" amidst the pervasive rise of AI-generated content.
Recognition and Resonance with the Audience
The exhibition successfully shifts the spotlight onto the creators behind some of India's most recognizable news images. Many of the featured photojournalists were present, receiving direct acknowledgment for their work. Attendees found this focus on the artist particularly meaningful.
Abhishek Upadhyay, a visitor, shared that he had seen many of the powerful images in newspapers or on social media but never knew who was behind the lens. "The exhibition focuses on photojournalists’ work, giving them the due credit," he remarked.
The power of these visuals to connect with younger generations was also noted. Pragya Chauhan, a Delhi University student, observed, "We are losing the habit of reading, so visual storytelling is key in connecting the younger audience to real issues and human stories. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and these photos are a testament to that."
By bringing together historic frames, contemporary issues, and ethical discussions, The Big Picture exhibition at the India International Centre stands as a vital tribute to the men and women who document India's story, one truthful frame at a time.
