Rocks and rust
A HARDCORE TRAVELLER AND ENTHUSIAST, PHOTOGRAPHER ANKIT RANJAN PATHAK IS FOREVER TRYING TO EXPLORE AND BRING FORTH THE SECTIONS AND PLACES WHICH HAVE HITHERTO BEEN UNSEEN AND UNKNOWN
H is visual escapades delve deep into hidden nooks and the darkest sections get kindled with the flash light of his curious camera. The results of his enthusiastic endeavours are apparently fresh and strikingly mesmerising series of photographs. Ankit began his creative journey by accomplishing his graduate studies in applied arts from Patna which was later followed by further studies in graphic arts (print making) from Shantiniketan, Kolkata and finally at present he has chosen to pursue his post graduate degree in photograhy from Lucknow. A long list of fine arts studies in diverse specialisations seems interesting, he explains how it has helped him to sharpen his creative instincts,” We all know that different forms of fine arts are interrelated and connected with one another, I have experienced this aspect about creativity from close quarters. Eclectic academic experience also gave me an opportunity to study and learn under the guidance of very talented teachers, from each of my mentor I could absorb a distinct aspect about ceativity and expression.”
The series of photographs clicked by him oscillate between varied terrains, societies and natural habitats and altogether cover a wide trajectory. From portraits to abstract compositions, he explores them all with an equal strength and potential. Some pictures delve closely into the intricate sections while some zoom out into the vast expanses. His extensive travels get reinstated from the iridescently hued imagery of the diverse natural habitats along with their distinct climatic, cultural and regional characteristics and details.
A set of outstanding photographs depict a detailed view of the red iron rust captured from an artistic perspective. The natural oxidation process wherein the red and orange layers mix into each other, make for an intriguing abstract imagery and visual rhythm.
“Such kind of study and exploration of scientific processes, their visual manifestations and transformation is what I am concentrating as my specialisation. At the same time I am also working for a book which will contain photographs about contemporary lifestyles at Arunachal Pradesh. The region has been home for around twenty four major tribes who have witnessed a gradual transformation in all aspects of existence with time. To document their journey through visuals along with myriad intricate patterns is as much challenging for me as it is enchanting and captivating,” he says.