‘A Land of Stories’ – A photo exhibition by school students inaugurated!

• Tmt. Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Dr B. Chandra Mohan IAS and Consul General Karin Stoll, Consulate General of Federal Republic of Germany, Chennai inaugurated the exhibition
• The art project showcases the heritage of Tamil Nadu through the eyes of our future citizens

26th February 2022, Chennai: ‘A Land of Stories’ – a photo exhibition, organized by Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan, Chennai and CPB Foundation, was inaugurated by Honorable Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Tmt. Kanimozhi Karunanidhi - at the Government Museum on the 26th of February, 2022. 

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Dr B. Chandra Mohan IAS. - Principal Secretary to Government Tourism Culture & Religious Endowments Department & Chairman, TTDC, Director of Tourism and Consul General Karin Stoll, Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Chennai were the guests of Honor at the exhibition jointly organized by Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan Chennai and Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation.  

The exhibition displays the works of 40 students from private and government schools including Kendriya Vidyalayas from across Tamil Nadu. Mentored by CPB Prism on iPhones, the children made the land and home as their muse and beautifully captured moments on the phones.

The entire art project is aimed at letting students explore the goodness of our state Tamil Nadu and to reflect its richness through their photographs. Photographs have the ability to freeze any moment and thus through the art project, students got an opportunity to experience all the diverse people, architecture, lush landscapes and cultural trails, thereby exploring the heritage of Tamil Nadu through their pictures. 

The pictures display the state's legacy, both natural and man-made, across its length and breadth. These unfiltered visions of the students narrate endless stories of Tamil Nadu, striking a compelling narrative. Some of the young artists were present at the exhibition to explain their work to enthusiastic visitors. 

After the lockdown we aimed to enable students to creatively rediscover their surroundings with new eyes. Thanks to the inspiring and educational workshops conducted by CPB PRISM the students were able to capture the beauty of Tamil Nadu in all its diversity. I was delighted to see the amazing works created by the students which made me want to explore all the places depicted, said Dr. Katharina Görgen, Director, Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan Chennai.  

“We have been promoting photography amongst school children through various channels, giving budding photographers an opportunity to fine-tune their skills with new tips and techniques. After our training, students are better equipped to capture well-framed photographs, keeping in mind lighting, exposure, composition, and other elements of photography. All of our projects are designed to encourage connection and networking. However, during the pandemic, we also wanted to introduce students to photography as a way of helping their mental wellbeing,” said Habiba Begum, a mentor at CPB Foundation.

The student exhibition is open for viewing at the Government Museum, 406, Pantheon Road, Chennai-600 008 between 9.30 am – 5.00 pm (Closed on Fridays) and Government Holidays from 26th February to 17th April, 2022. The visitors are requested to abide by the COVID 19 protocols at all times in addition to the rules and regulations put forward by the Government Museum and event organizers. 

About the Theme: A Land of Stories - A photo project by students from across Tamil Nadu. An amalgam of diverse people, unparalleled heritage and lush landscapes, Tamil Nadu is a land of rich stories. We invited young artists from Chennai and across the state to portray their hometown through their lenses. Mentored on photography using iPhones, students set out to capture photographs with the land as their muse, keeping a keen eye out for vivid colors, abstract shapes, eye-catching shadows, and compelling portraits.

About CPB Prism: The CPB Foundation celebrates and promotes photography as a practice and an art form. We aim to foster a community that inspires curiosity, reflection, and self-expression. CPB Prism is the educational wing of the Foundation, promoting lens-based arts education primarily for children. We empower students to leverage the arts for creative expression and documentation, as well as to explore vital issues, stimulate critical thought, and drive social change.

Website: https://chennaiphotobiennale.foundation/prism

Instagram: @cpbprism   Facebook: @cpbprism

About Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan, Chennai: The Goethe-Institut is the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany with a global reach. We promote knowledge of the German language abroad and foster international cultural cooperation. We convey a comprehensive image of Germany by providing information about cultural, social and political life in our nation. Our cultural and educational programmes encourage intercultural dialogue and enable cultural involvement.  The Goethe-Institut Chennai and CPB Foundation have been working together since the conception of the Chennai Photo Biennale in 2016.

Facebook:gi.chennai | Instagram: gi.chennai | Website: goethe.de/chennai

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