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Travel Stories

City Chronicles: Lens to Lives

Skyscape

With eyes aloft, in quest we pry,
Within the cosmos, where truths imply.
"Who resides there?" a yearning sigh,
Seeking divinity, in the endless sky.

शून्यातले शून्य जाणीव नेणीव
शून्याची उणीव आली भाळी आली भाळी
इलुसा हा देह किती खोल डोह
स्नेह प्रेम मोह मांदियाळी मांदियाळी
-कवी वैभव जोशी

A visual journey through Kerala's vibrant charm with a captivating compilation of doors and windows. This series celebrates the state's rich cultural tapestry, capturing the raw beauty of colorful, pastel-shaded textures. Each photograph unveils the intricate details and unique compositions, reflecting the timeless elegance of Kerala's architecture.

आओ पतझड़ में कभी हाल हमारा देखो
ख़ुश्क पत्तों के सुलगने का तमाशा देखो

The Indian Coffee House in Thiruvananthapuram, a masterpiece by architect Laurie Baker, stands as a unique example of Neo-Vernacular architecture. Built in 1958, the spiraling structure, adorned with perforated Jali patterns, optimizes space and fosters sustainability. The absence of windows, curved walls, and innovative design elements contribute to its sculptural quality, making it a city landmark.

Jawahar Kala Kendra in Jaipur, an architectural gem by Charles Correa, elegantly embodies the city's cultural and historical essence. Inspired by Maharaja Jai Singh's original city plan, the center, etched in red stone and marble, pays homage to Jawaharlal Nehru while preserving India's cultural and craft heritage. It stands as a testament to Correa's architectural finesse.

The enchanting essence of the Blue City's streets in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Amidst the vibrant hustle, the series unfolds against a canvas of clear blue skies and houses adorned in various shades of blue. Each frame resonates with the city's unique charm, where every corner echoes the symphony of blues.

Kochi Biennale Pavilion at Kochi, Kerala. Uses raw waste from construction apart from a wavy geogrid roof interspread with brick bats. The Structural frame made of hollow tubes and internal tree trunks is designed like a furniture sitting on compacted earth and thin PCC with no foundation or reinforced concrete. Pure Architectural Engineering... Back to roots but being futuristic. The building unfolds as large space under a singular roof that touches the ground, inspired from the many roofs of Kochi.
This temporary structure treads lightly, as it stands without any concrete footings, and may be dismantled to retrieve all of its material that may be reused or re-assembled again elsewhere.

TNQ KBF pavilion with the structural support of JSW at Kochi Muziris Biennale.
Architectural Design by- Samira Rathod Design Atelier
Structural Design by - sushil singh of studiostruct

The ethereal beauty of Ladakh's landscape. Each frame reveals the region's dramatic contrasts—barren, towering mountains against serene azure lakes. Monasteries cling to rocky precipices. The series encapsulates Ladakh's spellbinding allure, where every photograph breathes the quiet magnificence of this high-altitude desert.

Laurie Baker, the Gandhian architect, embraced simplicity and context in his work, aligning with Mahatma Gandhi's principles. Focused on serving ordinary people, especially in villages, Baker's 'Baker Style' prioritized regional conditions and affordability. Using locally sourced materials like brick and terracotta, he crafted buildings with distinct character, advocating for the natural expression of materials and introducing innovative elements like Brick Jali for enhanced user experience.

पत्र

पत्ता रिता पिन कोरा
ना मथळा ना मजकूर
शुभ्र कागद पण सुगंधी कोपरा
इकडे काहूर अन तिकडे हुरहूर

पत्र एक आज मिळाले
त्यावर नव्हते नाव तुझे
आताशा मज कळून चुकले
आजवरचे डाव तुझे
-एक शागिर्द

Minimalism within Jaipur's iconic heritage. Frames of Hawa Mahal unfold in raw terracotta hues against the vast yellow desert landscape. Each composition distills the essence, focusing on sparse elements, evoking the architectural grandeur of this famous monument in a visually striking, minimalist narrative.

Established in A.D. 1615, St. George Orthodox Church in Mattanchery, Kerala, the first Christian church in the region, faced neglect and encroachment. His Holiness Moran Mar Baselious Marthoma Paulose-II courageously initiated its restoration, preserving the original foundation. The reconstruction incorporates domes, vaults, and arches, inspired by early Eastern Christian symbols, culminating in an altar graced by a unique "cross of light" crafted from twisted earth blocks.

This is an experiment I did. Please go image by image and read through the captions one by one. each image individually has a story to tell but is a part of larger poetry.
I captured 3500+ photographs in the Kerala 6-day long tour. I am busy with some work and assignments so not having much time to go through and edit images. so I had to select images by applying some filters to choose a few for editing.
This time I'm trying to understand mood, emotions, and psychological impact created by the yellow color. so just picked 10 images from the folder which were clicked at various locations in Kerala. then I tried to put them in a sequence to build a story with it. and added a few word captions to this photo series.
please go through the white series. and if you like it, do let me know... Spare some time to check yellow and red series too.

This is an experiment I did. Please go image by image and read through the captions one by one. each image individually has a story to tell but is a part of larger poetry.
I captured 3500+ photographs in the Kerala 6-day long tour. I am busy with some work and assignments so not having much time to go through and edit images. so I had to select images by applying some filters to choose a few for editing.
This time I'm trying to understand mood, emotions, and psychological impact created by the yellow color. so just picked 10 images from the folder which were clicked at various locations in Kerala. then I tried to put them in a sequence to build a story with it. and added a few word captions to this photo series.
please go through the white series. and if you like it, do let me know... Spare some time to check White and Yellow series too.

This is an experiment I did. Please go image by image and read through the captions one by one. each image individually has a story to tell but is a part of larger poetry.
I captured 3500+ photographs in the Kerala 6-day long tour. I am busy with some work and assignments so not having much time to go through and edit images. so I had to select images by applying some filters to choose a few for editing.
This time I'm trying to understand mood, emotions, and psychological impact created by the yellow color. so just picked 10 images from the folder which were clicked at various locations in Kerala. then I tried to put them in a sequence to build a story with it. and added a few word captions to this photo series.
please go through the white series. and if you like it, do let me know... Spare some time to check White and Yellow series too." Please go image by image and read through the captions one by one. each image individually has a story to tell but is a part of larger poetry.
I captured 3500+ photographs in the Kerala 6-day long tour. I am busy with some work and assignments so not having much time to go through and edit images. so I had to select images by applying some filters to choose a few for editing.
This time I'm trying to understand mood, emotions, and psychological impact created by the yellow color. so just picked 10 images from the folder which were clicked at various locations in Kerala. then I tried to put them in a sequence to build a story with it. and added a few word captions to this photo series.
please go through the white series. and if you like it, do let me know... Spare some time to check White and red series too.

In the heart of a small town near Thiruvananthapuram lies the Murali Tile Factory. A mesmerizing photo series unveils raw terracotta hues in the dimly lit factory, where diligent workers craft tiles with unwavering precision. Wooden storage structures frame the scenes, embodying the essence of artisanal craftsmanship and industrious dedication in every frame.

Naktya Ravlyachi Vihir, near Karad's Pantancha Kot, Maharashtra, is a remarkable stepwell within the fort. Stretching 136 feet, it descends to the Koyna River with 83 stone steps. Exhibiting Muhammedan architecture, the well, now filled with mud, once possibly served as a three-storeyed underground structure. The fort's walls, bastions, and a temple add historical charm.

© 2023 by Viraj Gapchoop.

All rights reserved. Any duplication or redistribution as a whole or in parts requires written permission of Viraj Gapchoop.

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