Brian Emery, Acting Chair of Photography, Fashion Institute of Technology, New York , was the special guest at the opening.
This unique photography exhibition, featuring the works of students, alumni and faculty of both the institutions, delves into the complex relationship between humanity and images in an increasingly digital world. The exhibition explores the intricacies of human emotions and our entanglement with visual representation in an era where performing for the camera has become as commonplace as observing through it.
With the exponential growth of digital and social media platforms, the project highlights what it means to inhabit a hyper-image world. The exhibition raises critical questions such as: What relationship do we have with images of ourselves? What meanings of the present are generated by looking at them? Why are we unsettled when reality doesn't match its image?
Expressing enthusiasm about this international collaboration, Brian Emery, Chair of Photography, FIT New York, and a co-meter of the project said, "This exhibition grew out of months of image exchanges and dialogue across two continents. What’s been most meaningful is how naturally the collaboration echoed the show’s core questions how we become images before we’re seen, and how screens shape our sense of connection. Being Hyper Human captures that duality, but also the beauty of seeing each other clearly, even across distance. This collaboration has been an incredibly meaningful and beautiful process for me, and I am so thankful for the journey.”
Highlighting the significance of this cultural integration, Dr. Arindam Das, Director of Srishti Manipal Institute, said “this project is about collaboration and working together, both in terms of global partnership as well as across diverse cultures, but with a common goal of provoking thought and reflection”. Mahesh Bhat and Jatin Gulati, faculty members at Srishti and co mentors of the project, said that Being Hyper Human has been one of the most meaningful projects they have worked on in recent times. All of them emphasized the dedication of the participating students, without whom the project wouldn’t have been possible.
The exhibition invites art enthusiasts, students, photographers, and the public to engage with thought-provoking visual narratives that challenge our perception of reality in the digital age. The two-week exhibition provides immersive experience, encouraging visitors to reflect on their own relationship with images and the performative nature of contemporary visual culture.
This collaboration between Srishti Manipal Institute and FIT New York underscores MAHE’s commitment to fostering cross-cultural dialogue and advancing critical discourse in contemporary photography and visual arts. The exhibition will remain open to the public until 20th February 2026 at Venkatappa Gallery.
For more information, please visit: https://srishtimanipalinstitute.in/
