With the aim to define beauty, Farrokh Chothia has probably posed a life task. Because what is perceived as beautiful or attractive, is not only dependent on the respective culture, but also changes rapidly. What is still hot today can be literally yesterday.
However, Chothia's work seems to remove the vibrancy of a lotus blossom, and so his classical interpretation of grace and aesthetics is the central recognition feature of his photographs.
Since Farrokh Chothia himself attaches little importance to his own vita, this exhibition will turn around his passion for beautiful women, fashion and dance. And already it reappears - the little word "beautiful". What is behind it and who determines what is beautiful? Although beauty is always in the eye of the viewer, certain basic criteria can be discovered across all societies. And Farrokh Chothia has significantly influenced the Indian beauty ideals since the 1980s.
After working with camera, film and developer as a self-taught actress, he became assistant to the famous picture journalist Mary Ellen Mark in 1989. Later on, he became one of the most sought-after fashion and beauty photographers in the world and today is the undisputed number one in India. He photographed, among others, for Lux, Swatch, Coke and L'Oreal. The well-known Indian writer Suketu Mehta writes about his pictures: "The women show themselves to Farrokh in their intimate and natural moments. In many of his portraits, the models radiate a deep, almost spiritual rest and balance."
Even though Chothia has now switched to digital hand tools in his commissioned work, he remains true to his free works of analog photography. In the darkroom he finally takes out the subtile nuances from his prints.
Farrokh Chothia's pictures show that India is not just a place of misery and poverty, but a small wealthy elite is looking for a connection with the Western nations. The international top magazines such as Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Vogue were also attracted to the Indian market. Needless to say, the magazines had to be adapted to the needs of the Indians, and none of them met their aesthetic taste better than Farrokh Chothia. His then-girlfriend, a successful photo model, made the first contacts to the scene, which still fascinates him today.
One thing he has preserved throughout his career: a great deal of worldliness and tolerance. His charming and very sensual shots reflect the feeling of life and the grace of a whole generation. The photographer has succeeded in carrying the image of the modern indian woman into the world. A woman who does not conceal her charms, but presents her self-confidently. However, Chothia is currently experiencing a conservative movement within Indian society, with the result that many models refuse to cooperate with him, as they are frustrated by their free-riding photos. So it remains to be hoped that pretty women will continue to engage in an encounter with Farrokh.
