If you are a contemporary Indian photographer or a photography enthusiast, Gauri Gill needs no introduction. The illustrious publication, The New York Times has hailed her as "one of India's most respected photographers", while the homegrown news outlet, renowned for its independent journalism, The Wire, calls Gill “one of the most thoughtful photographers active in India today.” Born in Chandigarh, India, Gauri Gill has been trained in the art of photography from some of the premier institutions — Delhi College of Arts, Parsons School of Design and Stanford University.
In the year 2011, she was awarded the Grange Prize, Canada's most prestigious contemporary photography award. The esteemed jury, in their discerning evaluation, observed that the artist's works possess a remarkable ability to delve into the realm of ordinary heroism, deftly navigating the intricacies of challenging environments. Imbibing a documentary spirit that resonates deeply, the artist forges intimate connections with her subjects, capturing their essence with profound authenticity. Through her lens, she unveils a human concern, shedding light on the pressing issues of survival that permeate their existence. This take on Gill’s artistry by the Canadian jury rings thoroughly true in light of her work, Notes from the Desert (1999 –ongoing). Even though photographs from this series have been previously showcased in several individual exhibitions and projects the work has recently resurfaced in the spotlight with renewed vigor, and rightly so.
