Last month, we had the pleasure of meeting Dhiraj Rabha, at the Toto Awards in Bangalore. Chosen as one of two winners in the photography category by a jury including Anita Khemka, Prarthna Singh, and Ravi Agarwal, Dhiraj's captivating series, Reminiscence of Home, offers a personal and intimate glimpse into a detention camp for former members of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) in Goalpara, Assam, where he grew up.

Dhiraj shares his observations of the profound impact of armed conflict on women, revealing their resilience amid adversity. Through his mother, the central figure of his narrative, and against the backdrop of the former detention camp, Reminiscence of Home candidly captures the nuances of everyday life, shedding light on their resilience and the ripple effects on children.

By delving into themes of surveillance, memory, and representation in the context of the insurgency, Dhiraj's photographs prompt viewers to reflect on their own encounters with these e. Through his imagery, he invites us to reflect on the human stories behind the headlines, fostering empathy and understanding.

“As an art practitioner who was born into a family involved in the rebellion, I have a unique perspective on the history of insurgency in Assam. I have seen firsthand how power dynamics and state narratives can shape the ways in which histories are told and remembered.”

“Throughout this process, I’ve had the privilege of listening to confidential narratives that have previously remained untold. These stories told from various viewpoints, provide an intricate insight into the insurgency and its profound impact on both individuals and communities across the region.”

These photographs are part of a larger multimedia project, including drawings, display data and archival findings following extensive research, as well as recordings of conversations with surrendered members of United Liberation Front of Asom (SULFA) who share their aspirations, struggles and visions of 'home’. With support from the India Foundation of the Arts, Dhiraj will present this project as a site-specific installation at the camp from April 5th to 7th, 2024.

About the artist
Dhiraj Rabha is an artist based in Goalpara, Assam. His academic journey led him to attain a Bachelor's degree in Political Science in 2016, followed by a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting in 2021. Continuing his pursuit of the visual arts, he pursued a Master of Fine Arts in Painting from Kala Bhavana, Visva Bharati University in Santiniketan. Dhiraj's compelling work has garnered attention across India, most recently with an exhibition at Serendipity Arts Festival in 2023. He has been recognised for his talent and dedication, receiving the Toto Awards for Photography in 2024, the Generator Cooperative production fund by Experimenter in 2023-24, and participating in the Next-Step Residency by Sher-Gil Sundaram Arts Foundation at 1Shantiroad, Bangalore. In 2022, he was awarded a Production Grant under the Art Practice Program from the India Foundation for the Arts (IFA).

Follow Dhiraj's work @rabha_dhiraj_

Journal

Bridging gaps in arts coverage and offering alternative perspectives, Monsoon Malabar's Journal features untold stories, exhibition reviews and interviews with emerging and established artists.

Photo Essay: 'Reminiscence of Home' by Dhiraj Rabha