Artist brings architecture to life in first solo show

Larger-than-life photographs at various landmark public locale capturing the vivacity of urban spaces are being showcased by Delhi-based artist Parul Sharma in her first solo art show here.
Titled, "Parulscape", the ongoing exhibition at Bikaner House aims to tell interesting tales about different cities across the globe through a range of photographs documenting their quintessential architecture.
Being part of a bustling metropolis like Delhi, Parul refuses to restrict her lens to contemporary architeture. Buildings with historical relevance from across the world also find place in her collection.
The self-taught artist started documenting buildings in photographs three years ago when she was left awe struck with the beauty of the headquarters of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) in Colaba in Mumbai.

"It is one of the oldest buildings and reveals the legacy of an architectural heritage. In India, we have several remarkable works of architecture -- be it monuments or new buildings. I wanted to capture the vivacity of different cities and document the stories around them," says Parul.
From clicking a swank restaurant to a cricket stadium, Parul has also captured the mundane lives of people in the hustle and bustle of an urban milieu.

"When I started looking around with a different eye, I sought poetry in the stillness of spaces. I am fascinated with the unique geometry that these buildings have. Different shapes of objects enthuse me to photograph and weave a story around my work.

"I have tried to showcase how the asymmetry of everyday life around me collapsed and a layered alternative emerged in the mesmerising rawness of black and white," she said.
The artist has chosen black and white as the medium to make the imagery powerful.
"All these photographs capture my visual imagination. I intentionally chose black and white because these are the basic shades of our life. The two basic shades also add depth and value to any particular portrait or a character than a coloured photograph. Also, the viewer is not distracted by different colours while seeing such a photograph," she said.

The exhibition is set to continue till July 30.