The Little Book of Memories

With often unseen vistas and a distinct Goanese colour palette, The Little Book of Memories, Goa is a visual journey depicting Goa through the unconventional eye and lens of eminent Indian Fashion Designer J J Valaya. This book is the 2nd in a series of such books, the first of which was The Little Book of Memories, Istanbul. The Photographer tells us more. 

'Photography is the custodian of memories. Every single day, our eyes are privy toinnumerable instances that have the potential to translate into iconic imagery. In theearlier parts of the 20th century, one of the great masters of candid photography, Frenchman Henri Cartier-Bresson, walked the streets armed with his Leica, approvingly citing the notion of the ‘inevitability of a decisive moment’. 

It is my core belief too, that art indeed does exist everywhere, and candid photography is perhaps the most honestway to interpret it. I have also realized, over time, that whilst my Fine Art Photographyoffers me the supreme opportunity to be a storyteller; it also demands patience and time,to be woven together into incredible shows (sometimes years!). I had to therefore find amedium that would allow me to satiate my chronic desire to seize the spontaneity of themoment... for my own pleasure, as also to, perhaps, celebrate all that exists around us.

Enter Phoneography. Simply explained, Phoneography (still not officially listed in thedictionary) is the magical ability bestowed upon 21st century individuals to take and editpictures on the smartphone itself; in the spur of the moment, without any form ofextensive planning. Some say that this could well be akin to sounding the death knell forphotography itself, a notion I don’t agree with. All that has really changed is the numberof photographers’… individuals who have suddenly discovered the ease of taking picturessans the burden of heavy equipment. It is my firm belief, that with this new breed ofteeming enthusiasts, Photography is only going to throw up even more quality, simplybecause it never was only about equipment or technology in the first place, it was andalways will be about content, composition and an eye to see what others miss! For mepersonally, Phoneography is the answer to my stubborn restlessness and joyously, it allowsme the added luxury of poetically indulging in pure Visual Nirvana!

Finally, I felt that it would be a pity to not share these moments with some who might appreciatethis journey, an intent that gently coaxed me into building this very special bridgebetween Tech & Touch: THE LITTLE BOOK OF MEMORIES, a personal memoir and visualjournal of Cities (& Etceteras) that are special to me, and of some that have simplymanaged to stir the creative spirit within.'


The Little Book of Memories, Goa
from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, Saturday, 28th April, 2018
at The Project Cafe, Amalia Villa No. 198, Mazzal Waddo, Assagao
Goa, India