The haphazard nature of the non–Western city is often disparaged as a failed, incompetent construct out of tune with the times. Yet many of us thrive in the chaos. Every day, more people demand their place in it. What is this strange attraction? Perhaps the city is no artificial construct but a mere reflection of the chaos of the universe—a microcosm that reflects our natural being. In Sublime Chaos of Cities, photographers Mala Mukerjee, Smita Barooah Sanyal and Chandan Dubey interpret the chaos from cities around the world. They explore the idea of the city, its organic, ever–changing nature and the chaos that lies at the heart of cities they love.
Mala Mukerjee’s works have appeared in many publications in India, UK, Australia and Germany, and on the cover pages of several books published in India and abroad. She graduated in Applied Art and Design Studies from the London Guildhall University in 1993, and in the same year, was awarded the Art Prize by the Owen Rowley Art Foundation in London. In 2002, London–based magazine BLINK featured her among 100 contemporary photographers of the world. In January 2007, The Academy of Visual Media, New Delhi, awarded her their Achievement Award for outstanding contribution to photography. Mukerjee has conducted workshops in Bangladesh and participated in photo events in China. She has also held solo exhibitions at coveted galleries in London, Oxford, Bangladesh, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. Some of her works have been acquired by Alliance Française de Dhaka; NCPA Mumbai; Archives of Metropolitan University, London; India International Centre, New Delhi; JBNSTS, Kolkata; and corporate bodies and multi-nationals.
Smita Barooah Sanyal is a fine arts photographer and writer, who was earlier a public relations consultant with an advertising agency in Mumbai. Her works have been exhibited at some of Asia’s most prestigious galleries including Sunjin Galleries (Singapore), Art Mosaic at the Ministry of Culture (MICA, Singapore), The Fringe Club Fotogallerie (Hongkong), Tullika Arts (Mumbai), the Birla Academy (Kolkata), and The Experimental Arts Gallery (IHC, Delhi).
She has spent many years working with recovering addicts in Singapore. Her book on the problems of drug addiction is due to be published soon. Barooah lives and works in Singapore where she looks for colour and chaos amidst the order.
Chandan Dubey is an art curator, writer, and self–taught photographer who has been clicking people, places, and objects for over 15 years. After a long career as a journalist with the Times of India Group, the Indian Express Group and The Asian Age, she is now freelancing for several national and international publications.
Dubey’s works have been exhibited in galleries in Hong Kong and India, and also appeared in India Today, The Economic Times and Mid–Day, Art Asia Pacific, The South China Morning Post and Time Out Hong Kong. She has often collaborated with established artists and photographers from India and Hong Kong for exhibitions and travel projects. Originally from Varanasi, she moved to Mumbai recently after spending a decade in Singapore and Hong Kong. Her work is characterised by lines and textures of urban architecture, mostly reflecting her keen observations on developmental issues.
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