ME

I am an academic researcher (an aspiring socio-cultural anthropologist) studying gender, nationalism, politics, media, religion, and violence. As a photographer, I am interested in exploring the intricacies of sociocultural realities through the capture of everyday lives. I render photography as an important component of my academic work and vice versa and intend to maintain the closeness between the two.

I am also a feminist and an activist, involved in several social causes, initiatives, programs, and organizations. Recently, I have had the opportunity to explore moving images and film as means of academic and creative expression and I plan to integrate these methodologies into my work. Other than research and the camera, I like traveling and backpacking, languages, books, poems, olives, dogs, cooking, the color yellow, old postcards, and the ocean. I am happiest when I am teaching and traveling and I am grateful that I have found and created several opportunities to do both.

COLLABORATIONS

I write on and research a multitude of issues, photograph (and film) topics of sociocultural interest, and maintain a committed interest in recording, documenting, and presenting lesser-heard narratives and lived experiences.

If you are interested in collaborating with me, if you have an idea you'd like to discuss, if you have questions or comments or if you would like to use my existing photographs, please do contact me. I am always intrigued by new narratives, new projects, and new places. I am particularly interested in issues pertaining to gender and women, but I am happy to explore all kinds of ideas. I also photograph weddings once in a while, especially those of my close friends and those with customs and rituals unfamiliar to me.

I have been based in Singapore (with a lot of time in India) for the last 7 years, but I will be leaving for good in March 2012. I am not sure where I am going next, but I always check my email :)

P.S. My posts are in no particular chronological order.

CONTACT

You can EMAIL me at: mehta[dot]akanksha@gmail[dot]com

You can also find me on TWITTER and FACEBOOK