Lost in Tranquility

Freedom beckoned from every window, Alcatraz prison, US: The quietness of prison is a contrast from what it must have been earlier and the sunlight through the windows almost looks unreal. Photograph/ Richa Arora

In search of peace and composure, Richa Arora captures the spirituality of empty spaces and conveys their beauty through her photographs.

This article was originally published in March 2011.

One cannot associate our everyday hustling, bustling places and tourist hot spots with peace and serenity. Yet, somehow, it is still possible to discover a certain kind of calmness in such places, even though it may seem unlikely at first. On the face of it, crammed museums, busy stations, crowded parks, congested markets and places of commotion do not evoke any visions of tranquility. But, if one looks past the physicality of the place or structure, it is not too difficult to find serenity in the unlikeliest of spots.

To feel the inner calm and poise of buildings and monuments, instead of waiting for the noise and din that surrounds us to die away, one should only feel and listen to the silence of the structures around and hence, be lost in the beautiful hush. Hence, the series Lost in Tranquility has emerged from many journeys that I have made across the globe and within India.The photographs themselves are not about the places nor do they speak of their existence, but only showcases a proof of the breathing spirituality that prevails in these physical structures.

The structures, according to me, can be anything thatsimply exists. Through a person’s own experiences in life, peace and solitude can be brought into a place. The search for tranquility is universal.Through these images, I have attempted to capture the beauty of such moments experienced by people, creatures and the buildings themselves. Because that kind of peace seems to be rather rare in today’s world, it is natural to lose yourself when you come across such moments.

When Searching for Peace and Tranquility

• Instead of looking for a quiet place, look for a place that is in contrast of it. Then, try to bring out solitude in that chaos.
• In crowded places, especially ‘tourist hot spots’, the tendency is to go towards where everyone is headed. Resist doing that and explore the spaces that no one is looking at.
• No place is boring or mundane. There is always an interesting picture waiting to be found.
• Do not plan, search or worry too much for the perfect picture. Chances are that you will find a better picture than the oney ou are looking for.
• If you have people in the frame, do not ask them to pose for you, wait for others to come into the frame you have visualised, to bring out a natural feel. Explore a site well as there are always interesting corners and places where the light helps to bring out serenity

About Richa Arora
Richa Arora is self-taught and she started photography as a hobbyist. Armed with an MBA degree from IIM Ahmedabad, Richa runs a consultancy firm and is a Strategy Consultant by profession. Based in Delhi, she practices graphology and enjoys Indian classical music as well.