Soham Gupta

• Background of Photographer

1. Indian photographer, based in Calcutta, his work constantly moves between the realm of documentary photography, art, and the written word. He responds to themes of loneliness and isolation, of abuse and pain, of scarred pasts and uncertain futures.
2. He got his first camera in 2005 – a small digital camera gifted by his father – and he has been obsessed with photography ever since. He eventually went on to earn a diploma in photojournalism from the Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines
3. In 2018, he published “Angst,” a multi-year project that was shot entirely at night on the dark streets of Calcutta, where he documented the less fortunate and most vulnerable inhabitants of the city which I will show you guys the pictures later.

• Any significant event that influenced this person to do their project

1. It was not easy to find out what specific event influenced him to do this specific photography style. I read a few articles about him, and it mentioned that he had a troubled childhood and he struggled in finding his own place in society. I think that’s why he took so many pictures at night, so he could express his emotions through these people’s lives.
2. One quote I really like from his interview is, “I think I’m obsessed with everything dark. We are all dying a daily death. Anything which addresses loneliness, decay inspires me.”

• Highlight 1 major doc project and show at least 10 images

1. So as I mentioned earlier, the following slides will be his photography work from his book “Angst”, shot in a city with which Gupta has a love-hate relationship.
2.  The following imagines will be a black and white collection of portraits

• Describe what you think is successful in this project. Be specific.

1. Gupta began photographing and writing short fictional texts about the people he encountered on the street. After instigating conversation, he would then collaborate with them to create a portrait.
2. All these pictures are staged. As Gupta said in one of the interviews, it is a very performative nature. He created this thing that is not just for him, it is also for people that he photographed

• What “purpose” does their work fall under (to record, reveal, preserve, persuade/promote, Analyze/interrogate, express – review the handout).

1. Purpose, in both text and image, there is a tenderness towards these night-dwellers that lies beneath the brutal testimony of their circumstances. 
2. He revealed the nightlife of those people in Calcutta, I’m not sure if he hopes that society will be changed and improved by the issues his photographs raise

• Why did you choose this photographer/project?

1. I first saw his work at the Venice Biennale, there was a lot of amazing artwork from all over the world. However, his work impressed me today. I personally love portraits because I believe that eyes can tell stories. I looked through these imagines many times, and I still got emotional. I feel like every single time, I saw more from their eyes.