Rajesh Dhar, a distinguished figure in the world of photography, has been announced as the Iconic International Photographer and Honorable Guest for the 'AURA 2024 - International Photography & Art Exhibition'. This esteemed event, orchestrated by Retro Kolkata Magazine, is scheduled to take place at Nazrul Tirtha, Newtown, Kolkata, from January 13 to January 21, 2024.
The 'AURA 2024' event is a significant cultural gathering, featuring both art and photography exhibitions. The art exhibition is set from January 13 to January 15, followed by the photography exhibition from January 18 to January 20. The event will culminate in a grand felicitation ceremony on January 21, honoring the achievements of participating artists and photographers.
Rajesh Dhar, originating from Kolkata, the 'city of joy', is a Bachelor of Visual Arts graduate from the Government College of Art and Craft, Kolkata. While he professionally excels as a graphic designer, his heart lies in photography. Dhar's work primarily focuses on capturing the essence of people from diverse religions and cultures. He has a keen interest in documenting rural festivals and religious fervor across India.
Rajesh Dhar's photographic journey involves extensive travel to the interiors of India, aiming to encapsulate the spirit of the nation. His goal is to reflect the myriad facets of human life in society through his lens, highlighting both merits and follies.
Rajesh Dhar's exceptional work has garnered international and national acclaim, with his photographs featured in prestigious exhibitions worldwide. His remarkable achievements include numerous awards and accolades, such as:
- Winner of the World Energy Council Photo Contest 2010, UK (category 'generation')
- Monthly winner of Frames of My City 2011
- Second runner-up in Camarena Festival of Photography 2011
- Winner of Indiafrica Photo Contest 2013
- Monthly winner of Reader’s Digest Unseen Asia Photo Contest 2013
- Winner in IIAS Photo Contest 2014, Netherlands (category ‘Asian heritages’)
- Winner of Kalakaar Vibha Photo Contest 2016 (category ‘education’)
- Winner in ACIAR Photo Competition, Australia 2016 (category ‘aquaculture’)
- Winner of Wow Tamilnadu Photo Contest 2018
- Runner-up for WPC Travel Photographer of the Year 2018
- Finalist in Wanderlust International Travel Photo Contest 2018, UK (category ‘people’)
- Winner of Akshay Patra Click a Smile Photo Contest 2019
- Finalist in Energy Self-Portraits International Photo Contest 2020, Italy (category ‘electricity in everyday life’)
- Winner of Dekho Apna Desh Photo Contest 2020, India Tourism (category ‘local people’)
- Runner-up in Space and Humans International Architecture and Urban Photo Competition 2022, South Korea
- Winner of SSIUK Himalayan World Photo Competition 2022, UK
- Winner of AKPA Foto Fest 2023
- Winner of Mela Moments Photography Contest 2023, Government of India (category ‘mela stalls’)
Rajesh Dhar's participation as an iconic figure and honorable guest at 'AURA 2024' is highly anticipated and is expected to add significant prestige to the event. His involvement will undoubtedly inspire both established and aspiring photographers who will gather to celebrate the art and beauty of photography.
