New Delhi, Apr 30: Rooted in Leica Camera’s long-standing commitment to photographic culture, theLeica Store New Delhi in Connaught Place extends the spirit of Leica Galleries into its space througha thoughtfully curated in-store visual showcase, bringing compelling photographic narratives into a retail environment that goes beyond product to experience.
The store recently hosted an intimate and evocative exhibition titled ‘Children of the Sea: Life inLakshadweep’ by Justice Nitin Jamdar (Retd.), Former Chief Justice of the High Court of Kerala. Setwithin one of the capital’s most iconic cultural districts, the evening reflected Leica’s ethos of making meaningful photographic work accessible to a wider audience.
The exhibition brought together a deeply personal body of work documenting life in Lakshadweep, anecosystem where land is scarce and life is intrinsically shaped by the sea. Through a series of quiet, observational photographs, the showcase offered an intimate glimpse into communities whose rhythms, livelihoods and identities are closely intertwined with their marine environment.
Justice Jamdar’s journey into photography, which began in 1981 with a modest film camera, has evolved into a lifelong practice rooted in patience, solitude and close observation. His early engagement with nature gradually expanded into documenting people and their relationship with their surroundings, an evolution that is reflected in this body of work.
A key aspect of his practice is his continued use of the Leica M system. Known for being fast, discreet and extremely quiet, the Leica M’s compact form allows photographers to get close to their subjects without intrusion. With intuitive controls and a design free of unnecessary complexity, the system enables a more immersive and focused way of working, allowing the photographer to concentrate entirely on the image rather than the process. This philosophy aligns closely with Jamdar’s approach of photographing without disturbing the natural flow of life.
At the heart of ‘Children of the Sea’ lies the idea that Lakshadweep is not merely a place, but a living system. The photographs reflect how work, community and environment exist in balance, from the physical intensity of tuna fishing to moments of quiet resilience within island communities. Rather than dramatic imagery, the work draws attention to everyday life, subtle, unhurried and deeply connected.
Reflecting this ethos, Jamdar notes, “I am not interested in what appears exotic or different, I am drawn to what is familiar but not fully seen, ordinary life that we often overlook.”
The evening was a close knit gathering attended by a curated set of guests, including art collectors, fashion enthusiasts, members of Justice Jamdar’s family and close circle, senior journalists and Leica operators as well as seasoned professional photographers with extensive experience in the field. The intimate nature of the event fostered meaningful conversations around photography, practice, and perspective.
While not a conventional gallery, the Leica Store Delhi continues to function as a dynamic cultural space through its rotating exhibitions and framed displays. This evolving visual environment allows visitors to engage with powerful imagery and diverse perspectives, reinforcing Leica’s legacy of supporting both established photographers and emerging voices.
The exhibition ultimately invited viewers to look beyond the obvious, encouraging both an outward appreciation of lesser seen communities and an inward reflection on the act of observation itself.
