Vasantha Yogananthan

Since 2009, French photographer Vasantha Yogananthan has produced bodies of work that explore personal, long-term projects and has developed his photographic approach to carefully respond to subject and place. He has devoted the last ten years to the major independent project A Myth of Two Souls (2013-2021), which has been published, exhibited, and awarded internationally.

Yogananthan’s 7-book project, A Myth of Two Souls, explores the space between reality and fiction inspired by the epic tale, the Ramayana. Drawing inspiration from the imagery associated with this myth and its pervasiveness in everyday Indian life, A Myth of Two Souls combines a wide range of techniques, including hand-painted photography, collages, and video installation. Alongside the crucial act of composing and taking a photograph, Yogananthan conducts studio-based work to intervene and interpret images and introduce new narratives by playing with material forms.

Yogananthan has completed his own epic journey with thirteen trips to India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka to finish A Myth of Two Souls. The first six chapters of the project, Early Times, The Promise, Exile, Dandaka, Howling Winds, and Afterlife were published between 2016-2020. The last chapter, Amma, will be published in 2021. The book form has been central to Yogananthan’s work since he began, which has led him to co-found the publishing house Chose Commune. The Musée de l’Elysée (Lausanne) and the Chanel Nexus Hall (Tokyo) held the first solo exhibition of A Myth of Two Souls in 2019.

Vasantha Yogananthan is represented by the Photographers’ Gallery Print Sales (London, UK), Jhaveri Contemporary (Mumbai), Polka Gallery (Paris), and Assembly (New York). His works are included in private and public collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum (London), the Centre National des Arts Plastiques (Paris), the Musée de l’Elysée (Lausanne), and the FOAM Museum (Amsterdam).

This bio was provided by the artist.