Mumbai-based documentary photographer Padma Shri Sudharak Olwe’s Firefly, an exhibition of photographs, artefacts and performance, on ‘Lavani’ - a traditional dance form of Maharashtra will be held in Mumbai this week. 

The 45 photographs that are documented over 20 years by Sudharak Olwe attempt to capture the ‘lavanya’ (beauty), struggles and journey of the social lives of these folk artistes and look beyond the popular perception of the traditional dance form. "I want to share their art and life in my photos," elaborates Sudharak who still continues to document the Lavani artistes.

More about Sudharak Olwe, who has been marking a new global space for Indian photography, with exhibitions in Malmo (Sweden), Lisbon, Amsterdam, Los Angeles, Washington, Dhaka, Mumbai and Delhi among others. Olwe is known for his extraordinary work capturing in both rural and urban communities, presenting tales of resilience, courage, and change. In 2005, Olwe was one of the four awardees for National Geographic's "All Roads Photography Program: In 2016, he received the Padma Shri, one of highest civilian awards awarded by the Government of India.

In the current exhibition, Sudharak Olwe's timeless frames pay a tribute to this traditional art form that has contributed tremendously to the development of Marathi folk theatre. Prominent Lavani traditional folk artistes from Solapur will be honoured at the event the Lavani artistes will share their stories through their energetic performance as well. The proceeds will help the education of children of Lavani dancers.

Along with the photographs by Sudharak Olwe, artefacts curated by Gourmoni Das will also be on display.

For the uninitiated, 'Lavani’ is a traditional dance form that originated in Maharashtra in the 18th and 19th centuries. Lavani is performed on public stage, and is a performative tradition practiced by a certain set of communities consisting of interactive gestures, and songs and noted for its biting dialogues often toned with socio-political satire; the dancers are always agile and attentive to the audience's reactions.

The exhibition is presented by Nine Fish Art Gallery & Dot Line Space Art Foundation.

Programme Schedule:

January 12, 2023, 6 pm, Nine Fish Art Gallery, Byculla, Mumbai.

Firefly, the photo exhibition by Sudharak Olwe at Nine Fish Art Gallery, Byculla continues from 13th January to 18th February 2023 from 10.30am to 7.30pm.