“Belongings - A photographic exploration of Surti family heirlooms”

This project brings together a collection of stories told through relationship to family heirlooms in Surat, Gujarat. The heirlooms, carefully revealed by the participants were generously shared with me - rich with diversity from an entire house down to small, delicate pieces of jewellery. The significance of each object shone through memory, emotional connection, objects kept out of love and sometimes even through duty and obligation. The custodians spoke about keeping them to evoke memory, preserve a story or represent a precious moment in time. The process of undertaking the photoshoots and receiving the stories was a delicate exercise in listening and honouring not only the individuals who are featured here but also their ancestors, journeys and everyday lives in Surat.

Images below from the exhibition during Tapi Festival at the Science Centre, Surat, India. Feb/March 20202. Belongings photo-book is also available, in a limited edition run of 100. To purchase the book click here