Vivek Desai has made a name for himself as a lens-man of distinction. He has been described as not only technically superb but also as a thinking camera wielder. His photographs are not just visually spell-binding but also have a statement to make. He has done path breaking work in a number of areas ranging from socio-cultural documentation of Kachchh, the Dangs, and life in Ahmedabad to the widely acclaimed photography of Banaras.

His work on Naga Sadhus (Naked Monks) capturing the life-style of this reclusive sect of Hindu holy men, is unique and a daring do as well. He joined the ranks of these monks ritually, taking vows and discarding clothes and even marched on the roads of Banaras, wearing only flowers and cameras.

Vivek has made a habit of winning photography awards, having bagged a number of national and international recognitions. He has more than 25 solo shows under his name. Having exhibited twice in the USA and once in Philippines he has displayed multiple subjects with these exhibitions.

Raghu Rai, Kishor Parekh and Jyoti Bhatt are his prime inspirations and favorite photographers and their work has influenced his style to a great extent. He has worked hard towards getting works of his seniors out of their store rooms and make it accessible to budding photographers—thus rendering dual service: giving credit and respect to the seniors and at the same time nurturing new talent.

He played the key role of the photo editor for Jyoti Bhatt’s monograph: The Inner Eye & the Outer Eye and Golden Glimpses: Gujarat— a compilation of photographs of Gujarat by Gujarati photographers clicked in the span of 50 years from 1960 to 2010. Also to his name he has four monographs namely Banaras—a city of Shiva, Ahmedabad—A city of Paradoxes, Kachchh–Kaleidoscope, Janmāshtami—KACHCHH: 1995 – 2016. Banaras Diary is a much celebrated Gujarati book narrating back stories and adventures during his photography trips to the holy city since 2002.

 98250 35912 · sadhuvivek@gmail.com · www.vivekdesai.in