The Goldfish Project

Mangalore, my hometown in the west coast of India is ripe with vibrant fishing villages and the smell of fish. My eyes were immediately drawn to a smile that is authentic, and contagious. Her name is Rekha and her energy is undeniable. She works long hours at a male dominated fish market under the scorching sun. Everything from her optimism to her colorful skirts set her apart. She walks slowly with a polio limp, but this does not stop her from working. After Rekha returns to her slum, she washes out of a bucket, changes her clothes, brushes her hair and displays her femininity. She grew up an orphan and doesn’t know her age as there are no record of her birth. Despite what she has overcome in her life, she is resilient and cares for the others in her community. Rekha inspires me to be more grateful for what I have and to brighten the lives of others. The goldfish signifies that you are called to help others, that change is always happening, and you must learn to go with the flow.

Artist Bios

Priyanca Rao

Priyanca Rao has a background and heritage that influences her photography in a unique way. Born and raised in India, Priyanca then went to fashion school in London and moved to NYC in 2012. She can be found practicing street photography in New York City and chasing down psychological documentary stories that show a unique perspective on human life. Her documentaries satisfied her desire to understand how and why we behave a certain way as human beings and evoke deep emotions. She is also a photography mentor and educator who is passionate about helping other photographers refine storytelling through powerful photography.

Organizations

Photoville

Founded in 2011 in Brooklyn, NY, Photoville was built on the principles of addressing cultural equity and inclusion, which we are always striving for, by ensuring that the artists we exhibit are diverse in gender, class, and race.

In pursuit of its mission, Photoville produces an annual, city-wide open air photography festival in New York City, a wide range of free educational community initiatives, and a nationwide program of public art exhibitions.

By activating public spaces, amplifying visual storytellers, and creating unique and highly innovative exhibition and programming environments, we join the cause of nurturing a new lens of representation.

Through creative partnerships with festivals, city agencies, and other nonprofit organizations, Photoville offers visual storytellers, educators, and students financial support, mentorship, and promotional & production resources, on a range of exhibition opportunities.

For more information about Photoville visit, www.photoville.com