Sonal Kantaria Photography
Sonal Kantaria is photographer based in London, UK. She holds a Masters in Photojournalism from the University of Westminster, London. Her photographic works casts a social documentarist's eye on marginalised communities that traces the fault lines in modern society. Her thoughtful and compassionate approach teases out the larger forces and salient issues engulfing her protagonists to emerge into the light.
Her recent project Naseeb: Trafficked incorporates stills and moving footage and takes an intimate look into the dramatic stories of young Indian females who have been kidnapped or sold off into prostitution, and subsequently rescued from the brothels. Her sensitive portrayals and in-depth investigation into the bowels of Mumbai and Calcutta brings into sharp focus the gender, economic and class disenfranchisement that have coerced millions of Indian women into the flesh trade.Her work was exhibited in London as part of a collective exhibition in September 2010.
Greatest inspirations or influences?
Influences include Magnum photographers such as
Larry Towell,
Alec Soth
Susan Meiselas.
The work of many female photographers such Jodi Bieber on domestic violence in South Africa and women in Afghanistan
Mary Ellen Mark's Falkland Road work have been a great influence.
Euguene Richards body of work in ‘Cocaine True, Cocaine Blue’ was inspirational in its depth of the subject and harrowing portray of the drugs issue in the US.
Challenges of what you do?
Ideas are not a problem but access to undertake projects is sometimes tough. The key is to be persistent!
What would be a dream project for you?
A commission from Time magazine would be a dream. So far I've worked on personal projects which are important to me.
What are you most proud of so far that you have accomplished?
The project I undertook in India Naseeb: Trafficked on human trafficking into was grueling. The stories heard on a day to day basis by the young women I photographed and interviewed were horrific. This was a tough project both emotionally and physically. I'm eternally grateful to all my subjects who share their stories.
Favorite websites/blogs?
www.magnuminmotion.com
www.americansuberbx.com
Upcoming projects your working on we should know about?
I've just completed a video documentary on the project Naseeb: Trafficked which can be found on my website. I'm working on making this a longer feature.
Keep posted for more news on my website
Anything else youd like to share with our audience?
I'm always looking for people for upcoming projects so keep your eye on my website.
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