Portraits of Time: Stories from Six Goan Heritage Homes
Date: 25 April 2025
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Venue: KCC Library
This April we have photographer Ulka Chauhan and art writer and independent curator Samira Sheth in conversation on Chauhan’s book The Memory Keepers and Future Seekers – a collection of visual and literary portraits of heritage homes in Goa that were built during the colonial Portuguese era. This session will delve into the stories of families and fragments of memories; while also touching upon the historical, culture, political, economic, social and religious moments that shaped Goa.
ABOUT THE BOOK
The Memory Keepers and Future Seekers is an exploration of Goa’s centuries old homes built during the colonial Portuguese era. Home is the centre stage for this photographic and literary book which touches upon themes of architecture, history, culture, identity and belonging. In times of mobility and modernity, when the narrative of home, hometown and homeland is constantly evolving, the book spotlights Goa's longstanding homes that continue to function as homes for descendants of the families who originally built and occupied them 300+ years ago. By looking at architecture beyond the realm of form and function, as conduits to time and memory — these portraits of six families featured in the book give a rare and intimate look into the emotional foundations that makes a house a home.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Ulka Chauhan is a photographer based in Mumbai, Goa and Zürich. Her work has been awarded at the Prix de la Photographie Paris, International Photo Awards and Tokyo International Foto Awards. She has participated in photo festivals such as the Venice Photo Lab, Treviso Photographic Festival, photoSCHWEIZ, Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, Serendipity Arts Festival and Goa Arts and Literature Festival. Her first book titled Two Worlds contrasts and connects the linear and structured world of Switzerland with the chaotic and cyclical world of India. Her second book, The Memory Keepers and Future Seekers: Portraits of Heritage Homes in Goa, debuted at the Royal Opera House in Mumbai to wide acclaim and is currently on tour across reputed venues such as Museum of Art and Photography in Bengaluru and Sunaparanta Centre for the Arts in Goa.
Samira Sheth is an art writer and independent curator based in Goa. Her writings have been featured in several publications including the books, Two Worlds and The Memory Keepers and Future Seekers, in collaboration with photographer Ulka Chauhan and the premier art quarterly, The Art News Magazine of India, among others. She is always seeking to build bridges between communities through the arts.
