When photographer Ismail Sharif took photos of the jali work at the Qutub Shahi tombs in Hyderabad, it was because the play of light in the intricate work appealed to him. Similarly when Namrata Motihar clicked photos of a busy Delhi Street she took it thinking it will look good on her wall. While Namrata’s idea was still conceptualising in her mind, her friend saw the photos and “to my surprise she spoke of the same idea. Just that she asked it for herself. I tried showing her different images to change her mind but she was relentless. That’s when I realised me and my business partner are working in the right direction,” she says.
Their Fine Art studio, Imprima in Jubilee Hills, does just that. While Namrata’s business partner Ismail, had to let go of the jali so that it could adorn someone’s wall, Namrata didn’t. “It is sitting pretty on my wall. Just as I thought,” she says.
Art for some in unaffordable but that doesn’t stop one from customising their thoughts and interiors.
When fundraising events for NGOs include selling Fine Art Prints of renowned photographers from all over the country, can anyone say photography is far behind art?
Photography has long crept into our interiors; moving away from the desktop, bedside table, showcase and mugs, they have found place as wallpapers, coffee table books and even as theme to one’s interiors. Ismail says, “It is not always about people and family portraits. Landscape, cityscapes, food art and abstract are all well accepted and appreciated by those to see photography beyond a moment captured.”
Not yet sure how to utilise photos as part of the interior at work or home? Ismail and Namrata specialise in this line in the city. Namrata says, “Photography as an art form is still in its nascent phase in India, but connoisseurs of art per se, are recognising it and investing in the same.
This is opening its doors to people who want to adorn their houses and offices with art, and are in turn, bringing about a revolutionary change amongst photographers and fine art printers like us.”
They explain the work and the process: Each photo has a paper that complements it and brings out the best in the picture. To be called a Fine Art Print, it not only needs to have the right archival paper, but every picture needs to be colour calibrated and printed with the highest quality of printers and archival ink. Lately, more and more families are looking for such prints to immortalise the moments that they treasure and are immensely attached to, emotionally.
Interior designers too are incorporating the demands of their clients.
“These ideas are more than merely framed family portraits. Our clients come up with great concepts and it is up to us to incorporate them and make them blend well. Fine Art is impressive and it can go a long way to enhance homes,” says interior designer Sonali Singh. Sonali discourages random framed photos bought off home décor stores. She explains, “Those come with no connect and will have many copies.”
There are some who want to personalise their study at home. “What more than making a compilation of Instagram photos on a holiday and get them ‘done,’” says Meera a student.
If this isn’t enough get yourself a cushion with the print of your choice.
Sounds like an idea?
