In the world of art, there are those who create and those who capture. Sankha Kar, a name that resonates through the lens, belongs to the latter. His journey began in an unexpected manner, shaped by fate’s hand more than family tradition. Unlike his father, a painter who wielded a brush on canvas, Sankha wielded a camera obscura, fashioning images that would captivate audiences for over three decades.
Life’s trajectory for Sankha was altered dramatically at the tender age of three when polio struck, demanding that he relearn even the simplest of movements. The struggle of those formative years endowed him with an acute sense of observation, a unique perspective that would prove invaluable in his later career as a photojournalist.
A science graduate and proud recipient of the first-class certificate from the Photographic Association of Dum Dum (PAD), a renowned photography school founded by the esteemed Benu Sen in 1957, Sankha’s early professional journey was in the print media. His lens became a window to the world, capturing moments that would unfold in Bengali newspapers. This path eventually led him to Gulf News, a prominent UAE-based newspaper, where his role as a photojournalist would transcend borders.
Sankha’s rise through the ranks culminated in him becoming the photo editor of the group’s newly introduced tabloid, a position that showcased his unyielding thirst for knowledge. This drive led him to explore the realms of wildlife and fine art photography, birthing projects that stand as testament to his passion. One such endeavor is “Fluid Moments,” a collection that immortalizes water in its myriad forms – droplets frozen in time, evolving shapes, and shifting hues – all meticulously observed and captured by Sankha’s discerning lens.
Each photograph within “Fluid Moments” is a snippet of pure observation, an intimate communion with an everyday element that possesses the power to reshape perspectives. The collection serves as a poignant reminder that even the most ordinary subjects can harbor profound beauty and significance.
Currently gracing the walls of the Maya Art Space in Kolkata, the “Fluid Moments” exhibition is set to enrapture visitors until August 27, 2023. Coinciding with this exhibit, Sankha Kar has unveiled his book, “Photojournalism – Writing The Headlines.” This literary offering is more than a memoir; it’s a compendium of Sankha’s experiences and insights gleaned from the bustling newsrooms and the field. An invaluable resource for aspiring photojournalists and anyone intrigued by the art, the book encapsulates the essence of storytelling through images.
Sankha Kar’s journey from adversity to artistry is an inspiring saga. From the struggle of polio to the triumph of capturing life’s fleeting instants through the camera, he stands as a living embodiment of the resilience of the human spirit. As “Fluid Moments” continues to grace the walls of Maya Art Space, and as “Photojournalism – Writing The Headlines” finds its way into eager hands, Sankha Kar’s legacy solidifies – a legacy that reminds us all to find beauty in the simplest of moments.