COLABA, MUMBAI.- On November 4th, 2022, the exhibition Desi Boys will be on view at the Sakshi Gallery.

Soham Gupta was one of the participating artists in the 58th Venice Biennale curated by Ralph Rugoff in 2019. In 2018, Soham was selected by The British Journal of Photography as one of sixteen emerging photographers. His book, ‘Angst’ published by Akina Books was shortlisted for the Les Prix du Livre: Photo and Text Book Award at Les Rencontres d'Arles and the Paris Photo - Aperture Foundation First Photobook Award.

Based in Calcutta, Soham Gupta’s work constantly moves between the realm of documentary photography, art and the written word. 'Desi Boys' an exhibition of photographs will be on view till 2 December 2022 at Sakshi Gallery.

The series, Desi Boys is about the unique phenomenon of sartorial choices and grassroots hip-hop movement that have helped disenfranchised youth find outlet and a voice despite crippling odds in a country like India with rampant class and caste based tensions, xenophobia and vast income disparities.




This youth movement is fueled by the democratization of smartphones and 3G/4G internet in the country along with the boom in app-based service marketplaces that connect customers to service professionals, leading to a sudden demand for jobs for the economically marginalized youth. This empowers them with a sizable disposable income, which helps them to indulge in fashion and music.

The young men dress up, take selfies and often as groups splurge on hiring photographers to have their portraits made. The series Desi Boys aims to become a vital documentation forming the wider global archive of lesser seen depictions of elements of Brownness by a South Asian like me in present times of tension in the region.

Sakshi Gallery is one of the premier galleries of India. Since 1984, we have developed a strong repertoire of Indian and International artists and continue introducing and supporting emerging Indian artists.

Sakshi Gallery has showcased landmark exhibitions of Indian art all over the world, representing important Indian artists like Rekha Rodwittiya, Surendran Nair, Jehangir Sabavala, Manjit Bawa, Manjunath Kamath and others. It has endeavored to develop a strong program, working closely with important Indian and international artists as well as introducing many emerging ones. It has held exhibitions of Indian art all over. The world and has introduced to the Indian audience work of illustrious international artists such as El Anatsui, Gregory Crewdson and Julian Opie.

Sakshi Gallery is located in the heart of Mumbai's art district in Colaba.