The Memory Keepers

• Prize
  Bronze in Book/Documentary
• Photographer
  Ulka Chauhan
• Photo Date
  2021-2024

In times of modernity, mobility and migration, when the narrative of home, hometown and homeland is constantly shifting; this book titled The Memory Keepers, offers a rare inside glimpse into homes in Goa, India that were built during the colonial Portuguese era and have remained in the same family for over 300 years. With my own frequent locating and relocating and an ineffable state of uprootedness, I find myself drawn to the story of these homes and families. An exploration of architecture, culture, history, identity and belonging; and what it means to be rooted to one's home and land.

Ulka Chauhan lives and works between Zürich and Mumbai. Her passion for photography triggered by a workshop in 2019. Since then her work has been published on Leica blogs as well as in arts / humanities / photography websites. She has participated in exhibitions in Zürich, Mumbai, Venice and Treviso. She is an active member of the Swiss Street Collective and a co-editor of its blog. Her book titled Two Worlds (featured in Condé Nast Traveller magazine) is an exploration that contrasts and connects the linear and structured world of Switzerland and the cyclical and chaotic world of India.