The Chennai Photo Biennale (CPB4) is back, and this year’s edition is set to unravel a vibrant and dynamic collection of visual narratives, thought-provoking themes, and artistic explorations. Running from December 20, 2024, to March 16, 2025, this biennale promises to engage visitors in an extraordinary journey with the intriguing question, “Why Photograph?”
As one of India’s premier photography events, CPB4 invites audiences to reflect on the evolving relationship between humanity and photography in an era of visual saturation, embracing the beauty of slower, more intentional approaches to image-making. The biennale will be staged in two phases, each bringing a unique set of exhibitions and programs designed to inspire, provoke, and celebrate the art of photography.
A Two-Phased Artistic Extravaganza
Phase 1: December 20, 2024 – January 16, 2025
The first phase kicks off on December 20, 2024, featuring a variety of exhibitions across Chennai, showcasing both CPB Primary Shows and CPB Invitation Shows:
- Roots that Reach for the Sky: Curated by Jaisingh Nageswaran, this exhibition delves into diverse artistic perspectives. It includes contributions from artists like Alina Tiphagne, Aishwarya Arumbakkam, Arun Karthik, and others, supported by the Goethe-Institut.
- Contemporary Practices by Women in Photography: Highlighting works by women artists worldwide, this exhibition includes talents such as Forward Collective (UK), Hannah Cooke (Germany), and Nony Singh (India), presented at the Lalit Kala Akademi with support from cultural partners including the Goethe-Institut Chennai and the British Council.
- Madras, Margazhi & Music: Presented by Amar Ramesh, this exhibition will be held at Narada Gana Sabha, capturing the essence of Chennai’s cultural spirit.
Phase 2: January 17, 2025 – March 16, 2025
The second phase, beginning on January 17, 2025, offers a new array of exhibitions that continue to explore the theme:
- Love and Light: A Site of Infinite Possibilities: A retrospective of Sunil Gupta’s work, curated by Gupta-Singh Archives at the Egmore Museum, and supported by Tarun & Tarana Sawhney, Vadehra Art Gallery, and Jaiveer Johal.
- What Makes Me Click!: A global celebration featuring photography projects by children from India, Cambodia, Singapore, Gaza, Turkey, and beyond. Curated by CPB Prism and the Children’s Photography Archive (UK), this exhibition includes interactive installations for all ages.
- CPB Graduate Students’ Showcase: A glimpse into the future of photography, presenting the works of emerging talents from various institutions.
Other exhibitions such as “Photography Strictly Prohibited” by Navroze Contractor, “Postcards from Home” by Manisha Gera Baswani, and more, will be available at different venues throughout the city.
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Key Weekends and Programs
Public openings, artist talks, guided tours, workshops, and engaging activities are scheduled for these key weekends:
- December 20-22, 2024
- January 17-19, 2025
- February & March (Dates TBA)
All updates will be available on the official Chennai Photo Biennale website: chennaiphotobiennale.foundation
About Chennai Photo Biennale (CPB4)
The Chennai Photo Biennale, established by the CPB Foundation, is a non-profit platform dedicated to fostering photographic art and cultural exchange. CPB4, its fourth edition, promises a unique blend of creativity, learning, and community engagement, making it an unmissable event for art lovers and photography enthusiasts.
