ka’ala an exploration

by Subista Kayastha

The interplay between light and shadow is a defining characteristic of the project, with the smoke serving as a medium through which the photographer can manipulate the intensity and direction of the light. The result is a series of images that are at once ethereal and grounded, capturing the duality of the human experience. The dark portraiture aspect of the project emphasizes the emotional weight of the subject matter, with the photographs evoking feelings of melancholy, nostalgia, and introspection. The use of shadow and smoke adds to the sense of intimacy and vulnerability that the portraits convey, making the images all the more impactful. from left to right; ka’ala III 2023