Raghubir Singh's Bombay Photography Exhibition at Jhaveri Contemporary

Jhaveri Contemporary in Mumbai is presenting 'Raghubir Singh: Bombay,' a solo exhibition featuring the Indian photographer's work from March 12 to April 25, 2026. The show displays images Singh created between the late 1970s and mid-1990s, documenting urban existence in Bombay (now Mumbai) through vibrant color photography. Singh, born in Jaipur in 1942 and active until his death in 1999, was a self-taught photographer influenced by Henri Cartier-Bresson, William Eggleston, and traditional Indian art forms like Rajasthani miniatures. His practice focused on capturing street life across Indian cities, with this exhibition specifically highlighting Bombay during a period of significant transformation. The photographs depict various aspects of city life—from markets and festivals to offices and slums—showcasing both everyday moments and broader social contrasts. Singh worked primarily with 35mm film, employing color at a time when black-and-white photography was more common, which helped establish his role in Indian street photography. The images reflect Bombay's economic shifts from industrial decline toward finance and entertainment sectors, alongside social tensions including riots and other crises. Notable works include scenes at Victoria Terminus, Crawford Market, and Kemp's Corner, as well as images like 'Birthday Party, Malabar Hill, Bombay' (1990) and 'Office Worker Leaves Home, Dharavi, Bombay' (1992). Singh's compositional style often incorporates reflections, mirrors, and layered elements, as seen in pieces such as 'Zaveri Bazaar and jeweller's showroom, Bombay' (c. 1989). The exhibition offers a historical perspective on a city that has since undergone substantial changes, inviting viewers to consider Bombay's evolution. Singh's work has been featured in publications like National Geographic, The New York Times, and Time, and he collaborated with writer V.S. Naipaul on the book 'Bombay: Gateway of India' (1994).