Stunning photographs by Italian photographer Vittorio Sella of the Himalayan range make their debut in Kolkata.
In the heart of Kolkata, the Victoria Memorial Hall is currently hosting an extraordinary exhibition that showcases the groundbreaking work of Vittorio Sella, a pioneering photographer who captured the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas at the turn of the 20th century.
The exhibition, titled "Vittorio Sella: Photographer in the Himalaya," is a significant milestone, marking the first time Sella's pioneering photographs have been exhibited in India. The event, which runs till September 7, 2025, features the largest collection of Sella's works outside the displays at the Vittorio Sella Foundation.
Sella's photographs, despite being from the early stages of photography, exhibit unparalleled depth and clarity of the subjects, thanks to his use of the collodion process and multi-plate panoramas. His work, which includes captivating panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga and K2 peaks, set new standards for mountain photography, combining technical skill with an adventurous spirit.
Anurag Kumar, Secretary and curator of Victoria Memorial Hall, believes that hosting this exhibition will help share Sella's remarkable photographs with a wide and diverse audience. "The exhibition fits seamlessly within Victoria Memorial Hall's vision and purpose, as it narrates India's history," he said.
Hugh Thomson, who curated the exhibition, stated that Sella's photos are famous and influential worldwide but have never been exhibited in India before. He further added that the exhibition is a significant step towards making rare and historically important works from private collections accessible to all.
The exhibition is expected to particularly resonate with audiences in Eastern India, while also drawing in communities passionate about travel, photography, adventure, and mountaineering.
Meanwhile, the exhibition "Experimenter Ballygunge Kolkata" features the work of Sri Lankan artist Pushpakanthan Pakkiyarajah, marking his first solo show in India. Akhil Anand's Morphogenesis, a fusion of tradition, nature, and geometry, is separate from the discussion of Vittorio Sella's photographs.
Vittorio Sella's first encounter with the Himalayas was in 1899, during an expedition to the Kanchenjunga with British explorer Douglas Freshfield. Despite a summit attempt being unsuccessful due to heavy snowfall, Sella captured stunning photographs of the Himalayas that year, marking the beginning of his pioneering career in mountain photography.
This exhibition is a testament to Sella's enduring influence and his role as a pioneer in merging adventure, science, and art through photography. It serves as a reminder of the power of photography to transport us to distant landscapes and to inspire future generations.
This extraordinary exhibition at the Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata, showcasing Vittorio Sella's pioneering photographs of the Himalayas, is not only a milestone for Indian art and culture, but also a perfect fit for those with an interest in travel, lifestyle, and home-and-garden, as it offers a fascinating glimpse into a time when photography itself was an adventure. The event's extended run until September 2025 ensures that a wide range of audiences will have the opportunity to be captivated by Sella's iconic images, showcasing the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas, setting new standards for mountain photography.
