Born in Rajkot, an army officer’s son, Udit Kulshrestha spent his childhood travelling the length and breadth of the country. His remarkable skill in understanding and documenting culture and society had its genesis here. Kulshrestha’s storytelling perspectives are not easily realised. They are the outcome of extensive research into his subjects – exploring philosophy, literature, design, politics and film in pursuit of comprehension.

In terms of subject matter, his ongoing focus is in two key areas. Born a Hindu, he seeks understanding of the human condition of faith. His Hindu series is an ongoing exploration into the depth of meaning created and derived from pilgrimages, gatherings and rituals, traditions and festivities.

Importantly, he is also strongly compelled to find and realise the unseen stories of what he considers to be under-reported geographies in India – especially in the conflicted lands of north-east of the country. His current work is fuelled by frequent travel to Bodoland and Arunachal Pradesh where he is seeking perspectives on the ongoing land based conflict. In his Graphein series, he takes a considered abstract approach to capturing social expression and dissent conveyed through graffiti – a relatively new but growing sub-culture in India. A keenness to understand people, reflects in his portraiture work across the strata of society from Corporate Leaderships, Politicians to Artists as well as regular people. An Assignment photographer, he has been commissioned by various newspapers, magazines and wire agencies, corporate clients, industrial houses as well as Non Profits, internationally as well in India.

Udit’s work is widely recognised and published - including Time, BBC, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, The Washington Post, Financial Times, Boston Globe, Zeit, Gotenberg Post, The Caravan, Femina, The Wire, Wall Art Magazine and FountainINK to name but a few

His work has been part of several prestigious Exhibitions including the Indian Art Fair 2013-2018 and his Prints and Photographic Objects are part of several Private collections internationally as well as in India. In 2018, he was the recipient of Sahapedia Grant.

Udit is based out of New Delhi and lives with his Canine son Watson.

Exhibitions:

♦ India Art Fair – 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 with Wonderwall, Delhi

♦ The Portrait Project, 2017 Serendipity Arts, Goa 2017 (Curated by Dinesh Khanna)

♦ 50:50, A 50 Year Centenary of Birla Arts, Kolkata, 2017 (Curated by Johny ML)

♦ Parallel Cities, ProHelvetia-TimeOut, Max Mueller, New Delhi (Curated by Devika Daulet Singh)

♦ Living Art Expanse, Galerie De Arte, New Delhi 2009 (Curated by Sushma Bahl)

♦ DestinAsian: Viewfinder – Viewfinder Gallery, London, 2008

♦ 2007 onwards part of over 20 group exhibits with Gallery Sanskriti (Calcutta) & Wonderwall (New Delhi)