In the bustling world of photography, Nanki Singh stands out as a beacon of compassion and change. This young, New York-based photographer has made waves with her powerful exhibition “Aaine Tak Ka Safar” which shines a light on the lives of acid attack survivors in India. Singh’s work goes beyond mere images; it’s a call for empathy and action says Sakshi Priya

Photographers are the lens of everyone’s life as they have the power to deliver a message that needs to be seen by everyone. Every photograph has the ability to share unspoken messages to the world that words can’t express. This is where Nanki Singh excels, using her photography not just to capture moments, but to tell compelling stories that resonate deeply with audiences around the globe.

Nanki Singh is an emerging New York-based photographer who is passionate about social photography. Her work reflects a deep involvement and an undeniable soul, making her lens a viaduct that connects the hearts and minds of viewers to diverse stories, emotions, and journeys. Focusing largely on the determined women of India, Singh offers a glimpse into their often challenging lives, creating powerful narratives that demand attention and inspire change.

Nanki Singh’s journey as a photographer began in an unexpected manner. As a shy and diffident schoolgirl, she struggled to express her thoughts until she started experimenting with her cousin’s camera. It was during a holiday to Namibia at the age of 16, while shooting wildlife on a borrowed camera, that Singh discovered her voice. The diversity of the world around her became her muse, and through photography, she found a means to articulate her innermost thoughts and feelings.“Fashion, weddings, and product photography are enjoyable, and I love being in a studio, but it is photo-documentation that truly captivates me,” Singh reflects. This love for capturing real-life stories led her to focus on social issues, with a particular emphasis on the struggles and triumphs of women in India.

Singh’s latest exhibition, “Aaine Tak Ka Safar,” at the Confluence 24 art exhibition holds special significance for her. The title, which translates to “Journey to the Mirror,” was inspired by the stories of acid attack survivors who found it excruciatingly difficult to look at themselves in the mirror post-attack. While society often considers their physical pain, medical journey and psychological trauma, the everyday anguish of facing a mirror is frequently overlooked. Singh wanted to highlight this overlooked aspect and offer viewers a glimpse into the survivors’ mirrors.

Her collaboration with the Chhanv Foundation, an organisation supporting acid attack survivors, was pivotal. Singh’s initial attempts to work with medical professionals were stifled by restrictions that threatened her artistic voice. However, Chhanv Foundation welcomed her interpretation, allowing her to portray the survivors not as victims, but as strong, resilient individuals who had worked hard to overcome unimaginable pain and trauma.

Starting this project at the age of 18, Singh faced numerous challenges, the foremost being making the survivors feel comfortable and at ease. “I set very strict boundaries for myself,” she explains. “I was always mindful of their trauma and decided to sensitively depict their story without sensationalising it. I gave them full agency over how they were portrayed, engaging them in discussions about their representation.” Her creative process was slow and deliberate, nurtured over four years. She embraced a simple, documentary style, ensuring her subjects were depicted true to their personalities. “My work should aim to empower the subjects and give them a voice,” Singh states. “It’s crucial to represent women authentically and respectfully, avoiding stereotypes and clichés.”

The reaction of the survivors to being photographed and having their stories shared was overwhelmingly positive. Singh’s empathetic approach and long-term commitment made the survivors comfortable with her being their voice. They drew her into their lives with their positivity, resilience and strength. Singh always “Photography raises awareness and drives societal change by capturing and sharing the stark realities of issues like acid attacks in a way that is accessible and emotionally engaging.” Through her visual storytelling, Singh humanises victims, educates the public, challenges societal norms, and inspires action.

The impact of Singh’s work is profound. By presenting these images to the public, she provokes deeper reflection on cultural and societal norms. “How does our society perpetuate conditions that enable such acts?” she asks. “What roles do power dynamics, gender roles and lack of legal protections play?” These are the questions Singh hopes her work will inspire viewers to consider.

Singh’s exhibitions have garnered attention both in New York and New Delhi. While the Chelsea exhibition was a success, raising $13,000 for the survivor’s cafe, Singh found the Delhi exhibition particularly meaningful. “What made The Confluence ‘24 in Delhi exhibition better was the girl’s presence,” she says. “I have always felt it was their story and they were there that day to tell it.”

Nanki Singh’s “Aaine Tak Ka Safar” is more than an exhibition; it is a powerful narrative of strength, resilience and hope. Through her empathetic and authentic approach, Singh bridges the gap between viewers and the often overlooked stories of acid attack survivors. Her work not only raises awareness but also inspires change, challenging societal norms and advocating for justice.

In a world where brutalities like acid attacks reveal a disturbing undercurrent of violence and misogyny, Singh’s photography serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action. Her lens captures not just images, but the very essence of human experience, making the invisible visible and the forgotten remembered. Through her work, Nanki Singh continues to prove that photography has the power to change the world. Nanki Singh is not just a photographer to watch - she’s a vital voice in the ongoing dialogue about gender, violence and human rights in India and beyond.