REMINISCING RAJASTHAN
Josh Clarke
Love it or hate it, India is one of the trickiest places in the world to travel in. At almost every turn, there’s a curveball, a mind-blowing degree of chaos, and an unnerving level of discomfort; but at the same time, incredible beauty and individuality – it’s a living juxtaposition. From a photographer's perspective, it is also one of the most challenging places to shoot, as eyes are always on you! It takes some time to get used to it, if ever! But, sure enough, you become acclimatized. Once you take a step back, a deep breath, and some time to comprehend it all, you see a staggering country. Absolutely crazy, but staggering. The food, scarily addictive; the wildlife and nature, eye-wateringly pretty: the architecture, an encapsulation of pure mastery; the culture, hectic, controversial, and immense; the history, fascinating but scary; and finally, the people, wholesome and passionate.
Shot during a trip in September 2023, these photos aim to encapsulate the simplicity, beauty, and joy of life in Rajasthan, a northwestern state on the border with Pakistan. Although chaotic, there is tranquillity to be found. For a place not seen by many, I want to transport you to these scenes, help you connect with a world that is so difficult to fully grasp. The vibrant colours, diverse textures, and captivating people of this region are what contribute to its unparalleled uniqueness – an experience unlike any other. Photography for me has never just been about the image itself, it's about the experience that comes with it. Where you've been, what you went through, who you were with and what emotions you felt. A photograph always comes with a story, capturing the moments leading up to and following that single instance in time.
This article first appeared in PRISMA, Issue 18.