Avid Learning, Consulate General of Canada in Mumbai and ICIA Gallery present Beatlemania: Capturing Subcultures through the Lens - a conversation between filmmaker and photographer Paul Saltzman and art critic and curator Girish Shahane. The Beatles have been influenced by and in turn influenced various subcultures. This exhibition will give an insight into their time in India and in the wider context, how they were influential in the evolution of bohemianism and the formation of the ‘hippie’ movement.

Using Paul’s body of work showcased in the exhibition as a starting point, these speakers will probe the role of photography in the context of cultural phenomena and documenting subcultures.

These speakers will discuss how photography showcases how subcultures continue to exist authentically even in the face of social and political opposition and how by documenting such communities, photographers create windows into highly complex watershed moments that future generations can learn from. This discussion will highlight the role and power of photography as a tool for documentation and exploration - its ability to be compellingly descriptive, to freeze and capture a moment in time and to create and sustain narratives through history.

Paul will use his own experiences from his time in India to talk about how photography captures, portrays and represents subcultures, how it affects cultural phenomena in the wider context of ‘the bandwagon effect’ and its relevance in today’s society. How has the art of photography evolved over time and with the arrival of new media? How has its importance and role in social and political change developed over the years? Some of the most iconic photographs have resulted in massive repercussions in social and political scenarios. How does it provoke emotion, send a message and spread awareness? How has it been crucial in giving a voice and a face to subcultures around the world? This discussion will also examine the influence Paul’s work has had on contemporary photographers and filmmakers and also explore the various techniques used by photographers that enable them to get under the skin of their subject and capture those candid, intimate moments and capture that definitive shot.

Paul Saltzman, filmmaker and photographer says, “As a young man of 23, with a camera in my backpack, I came to India in the hope of finding a different me. In the hope of finding a deeper connection with my own soul, I learned meditation and it worked. A miracle. I met and hung out with The Beatles. A joy. All of it, life changing. This is why it is a great honour and pleasure for me to have my work exhibited at the Institute of Contemporary Indian Art in Mumbai, and I very much look forward to having everyone enjoy the photographs and, through them, experience a bit of what we felt during this very special period in the Beatles’ history."

His Excellency Nadir Patel, High Commissioner for Canada to India says “Canada is proud to mark the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ visit to India through an exhibit of photographs by Canadian filmmaker and photographer Paul Saltzman, taken during the Beatle’s visit to Rishikesh. Paul captured some of the most iconic and intimate images of The Beatles ever taken and our partners: AVID Learning, the Institute of Contemporary Indian Art, and Reality Gives and I invite you all to be our honoured guest at the exhibit. Your support and donations will help underprivileged youth in communities in India gain access to opportunities, resources and education!”

This is AVID’s second event around the Beatles’ time in India. Last year, they launched Ajoy Bose’s book on the subject with a panel discussion about The Beatles and their symbiotic relationship with India as well as a rousing performance of best-loved Beatles numbers live on the Royal Opera House stage.

Asad Lalljee, SVP, Essar Group and CEO of Avid Learning, Curator, Royal Opera House Mumbai says, “We are delighted to continue our collaboration with the Consulate General of Canada in Mumbai and ICIA. At AVID, we are always pushing the boundaries to explore unique aspects of art, culture and heritage, and The Beatles, as many may not know, have been an integral musical and cultural influence on the cultural fabric of Mumbai. We celebrate this iconic band, and the subculture that they inspired- and continue to - with this upcoming event.”

The exhibition will be on view at ICIA Gallery from 19th to 22nd September, 2018. Proceeds from the sale of these works will go towards Reality Gives, an NGO which works to provide young people underprivileged communities in India with equal access to opportunities, resources, high quality education and experiences to help them maximize their potential.