Eighteen years is a long time, measured by tectonic changes in what is expected, accepted, or challenged in photography. Steve McCurry's "Afghan girl" (1984) might still be taken today, but the audience would immediately raise questions of exotification and instrumentalisation. The subject of the western gaze is no longer "willing," and is shooting back, with camera and pedagogy. Chobi Mela (CM) played a role in all this, creating a robust Global South photography context over two decades. One of Asia's early photography bienniales, it had a regional ripple effect, inspiring affinity groups in China, Nepal, India, and elsewhere.

A collaboration between Pathshala South Asian Media Institute and the VII Academy. A nine month mentorship program by the VII Academy and Pathshala South Asia Media Institute for emerging photographers from the region of South Asia. Research plays a critical role in photographic practice and is especially important while doing personal, intimate, and investigative works.… OPEN CALL: New Waves of Documentary, Practice as Research

The Zero edition of Chobi Mela is committed to operating as a safe space which is inclusive and supportive in which no forms of discrimination are tolerated. Core principles which its initiators, Drik and Pathshala abide by, involves creating a respectful and fear-free environment for people of all genders, race, class, religion, ethnicity and sexuality.… No to Harassment!

We are delighted to announce that Chobi Mela will mount a special edition, “Shunno”, to create a space for artists, thinkers, healers, activists, and visionaries in self-reflective, experimental processes; to assemble and disassemble, to navigate a web of communities, relationships, and collaborations. Chobi Mela Shunno / শূন্য12-21 February 2021 This year Chobi Mela Shunno / শূন্য /… Secretariat update- Chobi Mela 2021

১. সাউথ ভার্জিনিয়া থেকে নিউইয়র্ক। ৪৪ ইরভিং স্ট্রী থেকে মট স্ট্রীট। এমনি বেড়ে ওঠার নানা জায়গায় কাজের ছাপ রেখেছেন তিনি। ছোট্ট ইটালী নামে পরিচিত মট স্ট্রীটের পাড়ায় আছেন ১৯৭৪ সাল থেকে। ইমিগ্রেন্ট ইটালীবাসিদের আস্তানা নিউইয়র্কের ম্যানহেটেন ডাউন টাউনের মটস্ট্রীটের বেসমেন্টেই এখন আলোকচিত্রী সুজান ম্যাসাইলাস এর স্টুডিও এপার্টমেন্ট। নিজের মতো মগ্ন হয়ে কাজ করেন, কাজ নিয়ে… সুজান ম্যাইসিলাস ও নিকারাগুয়া

The concept of the parallel universe is fascinating. The fellows of this year’s Chobi Mela are set to constitute a reality that may or may not be a reflection of their current state. The site- specific projects touch base with the spirit, consciousness of the Homo sapiens and investigate the theme Place. While the fellow… Chobi mela X fellows to explore the homogeneity and dissonance of parallel expansion