This episode is something special and belongs to a different zone considering the previous episodes we have did so far. The "Sleepwalker’s Archive" is a captivating art experience at the Institut Français de Pondichéry (IFP), blending archival photographs, herbarium specimens, card catalogues, maps, and more into a unique form of storytelling. Curated by Karthik Subramanian, Devarati Chakrabarti, and Sujeet George, this project includes a documentary film by Subramanian and is supported by India Foundation for the Arts (IFA) and Tata Trust. Running from May 16 to June 2, 2024, it explores the connections between archival objects and the worlds they encapsulate, offering a fresh, animated perspective on history.

Having recently experienced the “Sleepwalker’s Archive” art exhibition, in this episode, I will be speaking with Karthik Subramanian, a photographer and one of the curators of the event. Karthik, who created a semi-fictional documentary as part of this experience, will discuss the origins of the art exhibition, his innovative approach to crafting the documentary, the importance of the IFP Institute and Pondicherry, his journey in photography, his views on still photography as a storytelling medium, the state of archiving in India, his inspirations ranging from Raja to Herzog to French New Wave and his philosophical curiosity.

The episode is available on major audio platforms. Considering the runtime, take your time, listen to this episode and let us know your feedback!

Language: Tamil and English

Sleepwalker's Archive coverage by "The Hindu": https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/puducherry/a-refreshingly-different-way-to-engage-with-the-ifp-repository/article68193465.ece

Karthik Subramanian Insta profile: @walksleep_ing: https://www.instagram.com/walksleep_ing/

Karthik Subramanian official website: https://www.karthiksubramanian.com/bio

IFP French Institute of Pondicherry Insta profile: @ifp.india: https://www.instagram.com/ifp.india/

IFP French Institute of Pondicherry website: https://www.ifpindia.org

IFA India Foundation for the arts insta profile: @indiaifa: https://www.instagram.com/indiaifa/

IFA India Foundation for the arts website: https://indiaifa.org/india-foundation-arts.html

A look into "Sleepwalker's Archive" insta reel by @shrija_d: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7rqa_iyF4j/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Immersive Cinema insta Profile: @immersive_cinema: https://www.instagram.com/immersive_cinema/

Curioser Adithiyan insta profile: @curioseradithiyan: https://www.instagram.com/curioseradithiyan/