An interesting photographic exhibition is on from 3rd October to 15th November at Café Fresco’s on Cunningham Road. Titled ‘Stone Theater’, the exhibition displays photographs of a different kind by Magali Couffon de Trevros. These beautiful images not retouched or reframed, but just printed on aluminum sheets. It is hard to believe that these are photographs of stones, sand and water bodies around them and the aluminum sheets add to the earthy effect of the theme.

Magali is French by origin, and has been in Bangalore for about 6 years and in India for 15 years. Trained as a graphic designer, she works in the Textile industry. Photography being her passion for several years now, Magali devotes three days a week for what is more than a hobby for her. Her earlier show in May 2007 in Paris showcased photographs as well as paintings.

Magali has been photographing in Hampi for more than two years now, preparing for this show. Once exploring the ruins on a holiday, she was mesmerized by these beautiful stones by the river which now beckon her on a regular basis. Magali has shot these stones at different times of the day in different seasons, to capture the myriad effects that the change in weather and time has on the stones, with her Canon 700.

She then printed them on aluminum sheets, and the effect is there for all to see at Fresco’s- they almost look like paintings. The ambience of Fresco’s, with it music and lighting, adds to the look of the images, perfectly indicating why she did not choose a regular art gallery to display her work.

Flying Dolphin at Stone Theatre (Pic: Deepthi Sarma)

Experimenting with the various bases for her photographs, Magali also prints her images on wood, terracotta and canvas, depending on the requirement and the effect desired. The exhibits at Stone Theater are on sale and are priced between Rs.6000 to Rs.12000. The exibits are priced depending on the size of the image and the base on which it is printed.

Ask her what message she wanted to bring out with this show, and Magali says these pictures captured amidst nature had a soothing effect on her like meditation did, apart from the fact that the whole experience was a lot of fun. The earthy colours and greens of the exhibits are calming, she says, and wishes that people notice nature’s beauty, appreciate it and take care of it.

Magali’s love for Hampi is evident from the fact that she would like people to see Hampi beyond its ruins. She adds that her depictions do not have connotations beyond art, and her audience is free to perceive them as they see it.

Indeed for a crowded and restless city like Bangalore, Magali’s exhibits provide a brief getaway into nature, inducing a sense of relaxation and forcing us to look at nature differently. The abstract nature of these images leaves the viewer wondering as to its import. A rainy evening with the music and lighting at the café and some coffee however seem to be the best way to appreciate and interpret these photographs. ⊕