I saw my first Photogram at an art exhibition displaying the works of Artist Malvika Mankotia. I thought that it was a photograph at first, but the play of light and shadows had an ethereal and luminous quality that was quite unique. Its shadow-like photographic image stood out amidst the vibrant colours and array of brushstrokes of the other artworks long enough for me to reach out to the Artist to learn about this form of visual art.
Malvika explained that the technique of creating a photographic image without a camera is as old as photography itself. It goes back to the 1830s when cameraless photography was explored for the purpose of keeping scientific records of natural objects. For the Artist herself, photogrammetry came about in a rather serendipitous manner when she stumbled upon the process in her college years while doing her minors in photography. A book in the college library opened up a whole new world to her, giving a fresh dimension to her surroundings. Already drawn to fluidity in her environment but struggling to capture it on her canvas, the process provided her with endless possibilities. Even to this day, 20 years later, entering the darkroom fills her with an energy like nothing else.
Read on to know more about the world of cameraless photography with the Photogram Artist Malvika Mankotia.
Let’s start with the essential question: Why did you choose to be an artist?
Some things are not a choice, they are just who we are. For me, artistic expression was a way of being, till as far back as memory takes me. Colors, forms, pigments were mediums through which I processed my experiences and surroundings. I remember picking up bamboo covers and painting characters from stories on them at the age of six. I collected solidified sand from our backyard and carved sculptures out of them – collecting stones, flower, and insects was something that I spent many hours doing. The natural environment is something that I have always engaged with – it’s a habit that later became a take off point for my camera less prints.
Can you explain to our readers what a photogram is?
The process itself is similar to that of manual photo printing except that the entire image is created in the darkroom without a camera. Much like painting with light and using objects as negatives. Photograms are unique prints – as in no two prints can be exactly the same unlike other printing processes where an artist creates an edition.
How do the photograms relate to your paintings?
In my personal approach to art, I don’t think medium is a defining aspect to an artist’s practice. I am more keen on focusing on the visual space that is created. The process of creating is a way of resolving things for me. In that spirit my body of works have included video installations, digital photographs, and paintings in all sorts of mediums, and of course Photograms.
In my paintings, I am restricting myself to watercolors these days. I am drawn to traditional painting – the visual language, the use of lines. After doing Thangka painting in Dharamsala, I got a better understanding of how and why the miniature paintings are conceived in the manner that they are. Being from Kangra, I was naturally drawn to Pahari miniature art and in my current body of Photograms called Anatomy Of A Garden, I am trying to explore ways to bridge these two.
Who are your biggest artistic influences?
I don’t know if I can pinpoint a specific artist or art form that “influenced” me. I think my influence comes from where I am at the time and what are my experiences. My family had a transferable job, so we moved around a lot and at some level that has played a major role in what I want to capture in my Art.
I would say that in some way, literature and the films I saw seeped into my work. Among the art historians, Prof. B.N. Goswami made the Indian miniature artist real for me. I very much admire Ansel Adams. His photographs capture the essence of landscapes in such sophisticated yet deceptively simple ways. Also, the British artist, Mike Jackson is doing some very interesting work in cameraless printing.
What is your art concerned with…what do you want to express?
We are negotiating history every day in our lives. In that sense, the past is very much the present. As a common consciousness of a people, the idea of it is beautiful and alluring. The only thing is that the minute we try to capture this, it eludes us quite like soap bubbles. In my works I want to capture the essence of this experience.
Is there a particular work in which you have invested a lot of energy and care?
When I start a work, I have certain thoughts and ideas as to how I want the work to progress. But during the creating process, the work places its own demands and most of the time the artist has to comply. In the darkroom, the decision making is split second. I like to keep room to improvise while making my prints so one has to know the quality of light and at what angle to expose the paper and the time duration of exposure. A second too much and something precious gets lost.
Do you have any upcoming projects using the photogram technique?
I have been working on a series called Anatomy Of A Garden. These are Prints based on found organic material. The works explore the idea of paradise and of ownership and need to lay claim. In these works I have tried to push the boundaries of the printing process by using multiple exposures and developments. Also, in some works I have used painting as well. I am very excited about these works and I’m looking for a suitable place to share them with people who might be interested in similar practices.
Finally, how do you like your coffee? And if you could have coffee with any artist from the past, who would it be?
A: I love filter coffee the best! And I think an ideal conversation over coffee will include a writer like Ismat Chugtai, artist Man Ray, Science person Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Rabindranath Tagore. I think that would make for some very stimulating company.
Malvika Mankotia: Artist Statement
Malvika Mankotia is a versatile artist having earned her B.V.A. and M.V.A. from the Faculty of Fine Art, M.S. University, Vadodara. Her work has been featured in prominent national and international exhibitions, including the International Watercolor Festival in Italy & U.S.A. (2024) and the South East Asian Multi Media Exhibition, DURBAN. A recipient of the silver medal at the National Art & Science Exhibition (2021), she has also participated in numerous residencies and workshops, contributing to the art community. Her artistic journey is marked by experimentation, community engagement, and a commitment to creating impactful work.
Malvika’s work reflects a profound engagement with the complexities of history and its ever-present influence on our daily lives. She explores the elusive nature of capturing the past, likening it to ephemeral soap bubbles that vanish the moment they are grasped. Her artistic practice is deeply rooted in an effort to distill and express this fleeting essence.
In her photogram series titled “Anatomy of a Garden,” Malvika employs found objects and light on resin-coated black-and-white photo paper, integrating photo-processing chemicals. Using light as a medium akin to a paintbrush, she delves into the unseen dimensions of time as the fourth dimension, examining its flow through physical forms and its interaction with light. This exploration highlights her fascination with light as a medium, capturing its dynamic interactions with various surfaces.
In another body of work titled “History Repeats Itself,” Malvika draws inspiration from art history, blending references with imagery from her immediate surroundings, including photographs of people, line drawings, and mythological narratives. She is particularly drawn to the color palettes of Indian miniature art, exploring the intricate balance of colors. Through these works, she addresses themes of beauty, family, love, and freedom, often centering female characters in her narratives. Her practice is a lens through which her surroundings shape her perspective, revealing an intimate and evocative dialogue between personal experience and artistic expression.
Photograms are very rare to come across, have been an admirer of Malvikas work n have been following her closely, love her works both her Photograms that are so unique and her water colors which are both beautiful n thought provoking.
Wish her great success in her art works.
Thank you for your unwavering support at each step 😊
Heartiest congratulations dearest Malvika 💖 so proud of you 👏 🥰 love ur work so artistic n mesmerizing, such deep concept n thoughts applied so beautifully 😍..keep flying in the colours of success. 💖
Thank you dear Richa!
Fabulous Malvika!
Thank you
Malvika is truly a gifted artist and truly passionate about her art !
Way to go !!
Thank you for your kind words💐
Wonderful, inspirational,unique.. Best’ wishes
Thank you Nitya
Your work is truly captivating, showcasing an eclectic and ethereal aesthetic. I’m particularly impressed by your innovative photograms, which demonstrate a unique artistic vision. I am moved to read that with your art you try to capture the ephemeral quality of life. That’s such sweet thought.I eagerly look forward to seeing your Anatomy of a Garden ( again, what an interesting name and idea) and more such creations showcased on larger platforms in the future.
It’s a rare treat to see your artwork. Hope to see more in the near future!!
Look forward to sharing more of some exciting works with you in the near future!
Dear Jaya,
Thank you for your precious feedback!
The photograms look and sound beautiful. Malvika is an exceptional talent
Thank you for your kind appreciation
First of all I would like to congratulate Malvika, she is a wonderful artist and certainly out put is a mark of her passion. Looking forward for your Anatomy of Garden. My best wishes to u dear Malvika and wishing you more and more laurels.
Thank you Zeba.It is most motivating to get such encouraging words from a gifted person such as yourself. Most humbled.
when first time I saw Malavika ‘s art work it touched my soul.so natural so delicate like her own personality everytime her brush& colours do wonders ..keep adding new heights dear Malvika all d best .your art work is first thing see in morning next to my bed 💓:) Amazing work
Dear Mrs.Singh,
Thank you for all the support and encouragement!
Wonderful work Malvika! And very deep philosophy behind your artworks. Wish you success.
Thank you for your appreciation
This is an fantastic art!!! Loved it. Kudos to the artist..
Thank you Nitin Rana!
It’s so lovely!! Had never heard of this artform… It’s really so beautiful!! Many congratulations 👏.. all the best …keep up.the good work !! Regards mitali
Thank you Mitali! It is a very interesting medium to work in.look forward to sharing more in the future.
Good read Rashmi. Malvika you are super talented!
Thank you Sangita!
Beautifully written Rashmi !!! Gives you a deep insight into this concept of Photogram .would love to delve more into this topic…. Malvika kudos to you…. Doing a great work…. Maybe we can have one session with her knowing more about the whole process . Simply loved going through it ❤️
Would love that Preetika! Thank you.
It’s a beautiful artistic practice that needs precision and sound judgment. Malvika is doing great work and she explains her artistic process with clarity and passion of a true artist. Introductory remarks by Rashmi fit in so well in the overall narrative.
Dear Mr.Praveen,
Thank you for your kind words of appreciation.
Wow Malvika!! That’s fantastic and Im amazed how wonderful your journey has been. And also by the beautiful thought process behind it all. Im quite looking forward to seeing you new works. Heartiest congratulations
Dear Poorna,
Thank you. I am looking forward to sharing the works with you and everyone. Would love to share it in it’s entirety.
I got to know about photogram which I think is not common. I have seen Malvika’s work which speaks very highly about the artist that she is !! Way to go Malvika
Thank you for all the support you have shown over the years. Thank you.
Malvika’s Art work and paintings are beautiful.
Her skills of creativity is natural instinct in her. She is blessed with it.
She is adorable by nature and forever smiling face.
We wish her all the luck 🙏 and blessings for sharing her creativity skills to the current youth .
Dear Dr.Asha,
Thank you for your kind words. Your own work with the underprivileged children challenges us!
It’s indeed a very rare form of art , sooo proud of you Malvika u are truly a gifted artist, would love to see more of ur work in future specially ur Anatomy of Garden as we share similar interests. Wish you great success , Go for it girl.
Thank you Swati! We do need to exchange notes on our mutual interests soon! 😊
This is amazing, Malvika
Thank you Vikram Rishi!
It’s simply amazing . Words are not enough to express the beauty that you have created . It’s so lovely to see this piece of art . You are fabulous. So proud of you Malvika 👏
Thank you Niti! The grace and passion with which you do your art inspires us all!
Outstanding work Malvika. You have made a name for yourself with your excellent art. Shall be following you on the various e-platforms .
Wishing you tons of success in your future endeavours
Dear Sindi,
Thank you for your encouraging words. Look forward to sharing more works in the future 😀
Dear Malvika
I am as closely associated with your wondorous paintings as I am with your entire family and relatives. Suffice to say – we are very proud of you. Your sense of innovation and creativity is par excellent.
You are at the threshold of a bigger stage that beckons the artist in you. We wait – impatiently, to experience colours of life through the genius.
Thank you for your wonderful wishes and blessings .Your own work in creating a vibrant community that fosters music and talent motivates us to do better!
Malvika ‘s work is always like a cool breeze for my soul… her work is indeed a reflection of her inner beauty… so mesmerizing and intriguing … I wish her all the best for her future endeavors…keep inspiring
Dear Neha,
Thank you for your words of encouragement. Means a lots! Thank you 😊
Dearest Malvika
You abound in your talent because it is a wonderful expression of your thoughts.
May the talent in you touch the sky and, in the process, touch our hearts too.
We await the splendor of your upcoming projects.
God bless !
Thank you for your wonderfuly warm wishes and blessings.
Absolutely an aesthetical work! Malvika, the eye to render such slices has always got applauded by all of us, and am sure by every lover of art. We look forward to more creations and wish you the best!
Thanks Liza for your warm and encouraging words!
Way to go!
Thank you Prabhkaran!
Malvika’s artwork is incredible.Her creativity and attention to detail brings out emotions to life through her paintings which are truly inspiring.Apart from her watercolor and others ,what stand out the most to me is her Photogram series which I had acquired a few from her .
This unique form of photographic art that blends light,shadow and composition creates stunning visual expressions.The way she harness light and negative space creates an ethereal, almost dreamlike quality that invites viewers to explore deeper meanings within the shapes and form.
Thankyou for sharing your gift with the world.keep creating,keep shining and know that your art is truly appreciated.God bless.
Dear Stephanie Lyngwa,
Thank you for you wonderful words of appreciation and encouragement. Being such a gifted person yourself, your inputs are invaluable!
I always loved your photogram works since college .looking forward to see more in person .