Harshil Patel ‘Nagarnama III’

Nagarnama III is an attempt to explore three cities, Jaisalmer, Varanasi and Florence, and their popular culture, viewed through lens and canvas. It offers images and perceptions of cities, explored by the painter Harshil Patel and art curator Chaitya Dhanvi Shah. Jaisalmer was the most exciting journey for deciphering popular Indian culture, which was amazingly sought in its colourful and vivid culture. Varanasi was found best in its formless forms, which are inclusive of the city’s divine life on its ghats and its sacred idols. Similarly, Florence was awe-inspiring in its unusual architectural styles and street fashion in window displays. More than anything else, the word ‘fashion’ stood synonym for Florence in a true sense. The journey to all cities is a trust and belief in popular culture, and its interpretation through paintings drawn by Harshil Patel.