Saunak Shah: The Space Between Us @ 171 Elizabeth
July 4 – 7, 2019  |  Thur-Sat: 12 pm – 7 pm  |  Sun: 12 pm – 9 pm
Closing Reception: July 7  |  6 pm – 9 pm

Parasol Projects presents The Space Between Us featuring travel and portrait photographer Saunak Shah, founder of Pursuit of Portraits ; an NYC based collective representing diverse global creatives. This exhibition will celebrate Saunak’s work to 21 countries across 5 continents showcasing diversity and inclusivity across all races and cultures, minorities, gender equality and the LGBTQ community.

Join us anytime during the open gallery hours Thursday, July 4th through July 7th between 12PM–7PM or at the closing reception on Sunday, July 7th between 6PM–PM. Immerse yourself in a cultural exploration beyond borders all the way from Vietnam to Brazil that aims to bridge the gap between online and in-person connections.

RSVP FOR CLOSING RECEPTION

Artist Statement by Saunak Shah

“The Space Between Us”
1 year, 5 continents, 21+ countries

Color of skin, place of birth, and sense of self are factors that directly impact one’s measure of self-worth, social status, and personal and professional success. From November 2017 to November 2018, photographer Saunak Shah traveled to 21 different countries across five continents with Pursuit of Portraits to bridge the gap between online and in-person connections, crossed borders – both physical and metaphorical – to embrace and empower diversity, worked with creatives from all walks of life, and in the process experienced self-discovery, reflection and accountability.

Having spent half of his life in India and the other half in the United States, Shah has found himself torn between two cultures constantly at odds with each other and his inner voice. His work is a study into people, the environments they live in, and how culture, identity and one’s image dictate those narratives.

This collection of photos are a celebration of life and aim to empower culture over stereotypes. Through exploration with style, color, thematic references and overall mood, Shah strives to focus on the elements that exemplify the spirit of self  – bringing to life the uniqueness of people as he endeavors to find the uniqueness within himself.

In a time when social influence and popularity are the benchmarks for what’s trending, Shah’s goal is to positively impact and minimize the space in between all of us. “The Space Between Us” is fueled by a desire to celebrate diversity and inclusivity across race, gender, socio-economic status and the LGBTQ community.

Saunak Shah is an Indian-born, New York City-based travel and portrait photographer and Founder of Pursuit of Portraits – a collective connecting creatives globally of all backgrounds and experiences through the power of story.

INSTAGRAM GIVEAWAY:

We are holding a giveaway of a print of your choosing from Saunak’s work displayed in The Space Between Us.

Guidelines to enter:

• Take a picture in the space with the desired photo you wish to win.
• Share the picture on your Instagram story and mention @parasolprojects.
• An additional entry can be added by posting picture on your profile with tagging @parasolprojects.
• Winners will be announced at the Closing Reception on Sunday, July 7th between 6:00pm – 9:00pm. Winner does not have in attendance to claim their prize.