Two Exhibitions, Countless Conversations.
Over the past few weeks, something amazing happened—I hosted not one, but two bird photography exhibitions. The first was at Courtyard Koota, a space that has always championed art and ideas. The second was a one-day pop-up at Samagata, Church Street—a chance to bring feathers and frames right into the heart of the city.
Both events went beyond just displaying photographs. They turned into spaces where people—of all ages—paused, engaged, and started conversations. About birds. About photography. About the little details we often overlook in the rush of daily life.
Why Events Like These Matter
In a world where everything moves at 5G speed, slowing down to listen to a bird call or admire a feather pattern feels… revolutionary. These exhibitions weren’t just about me or my camera work; they were about creating moments of mindful observation.
For some, it was their first time seeing a Red Avadavat close—no, not in a tree, but as a detailed photograph that revealed the white polka dots we often miss with the naked eye. For others, it was a reminder that nature exists right outside our balconies—if only we choose to notice.
And the conversations? They were incredible. Kids quizzing adults on bird names. Visitors trying to match bird calls in the sound corner. People sharing stories of their own “bird moments.” It reaffirmed what I’ve always believed: understanding the world around us begins with noticing it.
The Joy of Showing Up
If you’ve read my post at nanusense, Show Up: The Skill That Outlives Every Trend, you know what this means to me. Every person who walked in—whether at Koota or Church Street—added something to this journey. Your presence mattered. Your curiosity mattered. Thank you for showing up.
A Personal Highlight
One of the most heartwarming moments for me was having my parents see the exhibition. For years, they’ve heard me say, “Pakshi ne pidikkan poguva” (going to click birds), and I’m sure it sounded like a mysterious hobby that involved muddy shoes and early alarms. To see them standing in front of the prints, smiling – was a frame I’ll always cherish.
Gratitude in Full Flight
- Courtyard Koota for giving me the perfect nest to start this journey.
- Samagata for hosting the city edition and letting these stories reach new eyes.
- Sreedevi for planning, nudging, and making the first exhibition possible.
- Karuna, Durga, and Dheeran for being my incredible young crew at Koota.
- Talin, William and Sreedevi for the set-up at Samagata.
- And everyone who came, lingered, asked questions, and shared stories—you made these events special.
I’ll leave you with a simple thought: the more we pay attention to nature, the better humans we become. If these exhibitions inspired even one person to pick up a pair of binoculars, or simply look out of their window differently tomorrow, I’d call it a success.
Here are some glimpses from both events. (Spoiler: Not all birds. Some very interesting humans too.)
So glad we could be there Nanu and experience your beautiful clicks