February 01, 2026 07:48 pm (IST)
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I am struck by the tranquility of Kolkata: French lensperson Laura Amalir
Kolkata, Jan 21 (IBNS) French artist Laura Amalir feels there are extremes on everything in Kolkata and still there is a tranquil pattern inside.
"There is extreme on everything. But that is the way it is. If you call it the chaotic state, well I like that in Kolkata. The people, the street scenes everything here is so full of life," says Laura who have clicked pictures from typical blue-yellow hued Kolkata bus caught in the same frame of a cycle van puller to the riotous mix of colors of flowers at Mallick Ghat flower market by the river Hooghly.
"Eye on Kolkata', her exhibition held at ICCR here, had images captured from her stay in the city for three years on trot, her tryst with city roads, markets, grandiose buildings, river side.
"Once you venture into the streets you are greeted with the very tranquil atmosphere, no violence. This city is fantastic, I have already made it my home," Laura, who had also darted to the potters' hub Kumartuli, and amazed by the activity there, said.
About Mallickghat in Kolkata by the river, which is one of the biggest flower markets in the continent, she says, "I was simply floored as to how different bright-colored flowers together making up a design."
Asked about one predominant color of the city, Laura says, "I see life in Kolkata in sepia color. Everything here is in sepia."
Stephane Amalir, the director of Alliance Francaise, who was present at the exhibition, said he was struck by images of Laura's probing lens..
The programme is also marked by a discussion on the Baluchari art of Bengal, capturing the myth and magic of Bakura's Bisnupur, and the launch of a unique calendar featuring Tollywood actresses Rituparna Sengupta, Rachana Banerjee and Koneenica Banerjee.
The Baluchari initiative, aimed at supporting the hard-pressed weavers of Bengal's Baluchari hub, was made by Force for Rural Empowerment Economic Development (FREED).
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