Bharat Sikka

Bharat Sikka is a visionary photographer whose work intricately navigates the cultural complexities of contemporary India. After honing his craft at the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York, Sikka returned to his homeland with a keen eye for the dynamic contrasts that define a rapidly evolving society. His photography challenges conventional visual narratives, exploring themes of subjectivity and intimacy through a diverse range of subjects that oscillate between the mundane and the extraordinary. In his acclaimed series "Matter," Sikka examines the impact of globalization on Indian society, while "Indian Men" confronts the evolving narratives surrounding masculinity in a modern context. His discerning perspective and masterful composition allow him to traverse the spectrum from the monumental to the everyday, all while remaining attuned to the delicate interplay between tradition and modernity, autonomy and heritage. Sikka's work has graced numerous prestigious exhibitions, including "Where the Flowers Still Grow," which focused on the region of Kashmir and was showcased at the Kochi Muziris Biennale in 2016. That same year, his project on queer identity was featured at the Brighton Photo Biennale in the collaborative exhibition "Reimagine" at The Marlborough Theatre. His poignant exploration of paternal relationships, "The Sapper," was published by FW Books in 2022, further establishing him as a significant voice in contemporary photography. Currently splitting his time between and India, Sikka's editorial contributions have appeared in prominent publications such as M Le Monde, The New York Times, i-D, and The Wall Street Journal, while his commercial collaborations include brands like Byredo, Wales Bonner, Bodice, Nike, and Facebook. Through his lens, Sikka continues to illuminate the rich tapestry of human experience, inviting viewers to engage with the world in new and profound ways.