Manjari Sharma

Paani
July 9 – August 20

Interior of an art gallery with white walls displaying black and white photographs, illuminated by ceiling lights. A blue bench and wooden chairs provide seating in the center.
Two large framed portrait photographs hanging on a white gallery wall, each depicting a woman. The right side has the text "Manjari Sharma Paani" displayed on the wall.
A minimalist art exhibition wall featuring a small framed photograph beside the text "Manjari Sharma Paani" in bold, black letters on a white background.
A gallery wall with four spaced black and white framed photographs, each lit by overhead lights, against a plain white background.
Three framed photographs displayed on a white wall in an art gallery, each lit by an individual spotlight, with the middle photo slightly larger than the others.
An art gallery wall displaying three framed black and white photographs evenly spaced, each spotlighted, creating a focused and serene ambiance.
An art gallery with white walls featuring a series of framed photographs evenly spaced, illuminated by ceiling lights, providing a tranquil viewing experience.
A modern art gallery interior with gray carpet and white walls, displaying framed photographs featuring animal portraiture, evenly spaced and well-lit in a quiet, empty space.
Interior of an art gallery with white walls featuring black and white framed photographs. A blue bench and a wooden table sit in the foreground. Soft lighting enhances the display.
A portrait of a woman displayed on a gray wall in an art gallery. The portrait shows the woman with glasses, looking slightly off-camera. Other artworks are visible in the background.
Two framed photographs of ocean waves displayed on a gallery wall, one showing a large crashing wave and the other surfers, with an orange chair on the side.
Two framed photographs on a gallery wall showing aerial views of surfers riding large waves. One image captures a lone surfer, while the other shows a surfer with another person paddling nearby.
Modern art gallery interior with white walls displaying a series of framed photographs in a clean, well-lit space.
A framed photograph displayed in an art gallery, showing an aerial view of a serene beach with rocks, palm trees, and gentle waves, viewed from a hallway lined with other framed artworks.
An art gallery with white walls displaying framed black and white photographs. The gallery has a clean, well-lit interior with gray carpeting.
A digital art frame on a white wall displaying a grayscale image of a woman looking thoughtful, with reversed text overlay saying "inner dimensions".
Two people conversing in an art gallery, surrounded by various artworks on white walls, a bright space with natural light streaming in through large windows.
Two women smiling and chatting in an art gallery with portrait photographs displayed on the wall behind them.
People viewing and discussing artwork at an indoor art gallery exhibition.
People enjoying an art exhibition in a gallery space with various artworks displayed on white walls and some viewers closely inspecting the art pieces.
Two people having a conversation in a modern gallery-like lobby with seating areas and an exhibit sign on the wall.
An art gallery interior with people viewing various framed photographs hanging on white walls, illuminated by track lighting, with a man walking towards the viewer in the foreground.
People socializing at an art gallery, viewing framed photographs on white walls. Refreshments are served on a table to the left.
A group of people, some holding drinks, engaging in conversation at an indoor art gallery exhibition.

Press Release

Richard Levy Gallery is pleased to present Paani, a solo exhibition by emerging Indian photographer Manjari Sharma. Paani, meaning water in Hindi, contains photographs from both her Water and Shower Series. Sharma imbues her images with an overwhelming sense of calm and beauty throughout these strikingly distinct bodies of work.

Glistening water cascades down his body as he holds a hand to his face. A look of tranquility fills the portrait of Ron, while water drenches his form. For months, artist Manjari Sharma has been inviting people to come to her New York apartment to be photographed in a very intimate space, her shower. With natural light and a marble backdrop, the elegant portraits from the Shower Series seem to capture the exact moment when the pressures of everyday life begin to wash away. Sharma’s use of water, or Paani, permeates her work and relates to an old saying, “If you choose to believe that what you see is the holy mother Ganges, then it is. If you don’t then it’s nothing but flowing water”. Sharma blends this traditional Indian idea of water being holy, cleansing, and renewing, with American subjects to create this exquisite series.

Sharma’s Water Series has a similar sense of calm and renewal. In her photograph, Born, Water Series, a single figure stand strong as he gazes off into the turbulent emerald sea along the coast of Brazil.

Manjari Sharma received her BSC in Visual Communication, from the S.V.T. College in Mumbai. In 2004 she completed her BFA in Media Studies, and Still Photography from Columbus College of Art and Design. She has been mentioned in countless blogs and online publications, including Nymphoto, Burn Magazine, Exposure Compensation, Leica, China, UK based Deep Sleep Magazine, American Photo, PDN, Lenscratch and 1000 words magazine, and a 2009 winner for The Strand photo contest. Manjari Sharma currently lives and works in New York City.


High-resolution images are available on request. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @levygallery 

Dates: July 9–August 20, 2010
Reception: July 17, 6–8 pm
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 11 am–4 pm
Location: 514 Central Avenue SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Contact: 505.766.9888, info@levygallery.com, www.levygallery.com @levygallery

Artwork and Information