This is the upcoming solo photography exhibition by Kimsuk Ray, which will be held at Kolkata's art gallery, the Academy of Fine Arts, from September 19 to 25, 2025.
Humans, birds, and beasts all create homes and live within them. The comfort and familiarity of home are endearing to them. However, the lure of the outside world calls to them continuously. The desire to embrace the unknown compels individuals to venture outside their comfort zones. As they journey towards new destinations, travellers often gather more experiences along the way than what the final destination has to offer. Far from their homeland, as they seek the unknown and the uncommon, they inevitably confront familiarity—the geography, climate, and people of the region. What is typical for the locals becomes extraordinary for the traveller. Remarkably, they carry with them the aura of the outsider, establishing a unique connection with the places and people they visit. There is a subtle, silent exchange of energy between the traveller and their destination, whether it be the land, the climate, or the local community. In this way, the common and the unreachable, the familiar and the unperceived, the mundane and the bizarre all merge into a unified experience. The connection between the two separate hemispheres—the traveller and their destination—creates a distinctive life form. Kimsuk Ray captures travel's essence through his photographs, showcasing experiences from his city and beyond. His images reflect a yearning to explore distant lands, inspiring us and breaking everyday monotony. Landscapes come alive, and people are portrayed with sophistication, drawing us toward new destinations.
