Madhavan Pillai, a passionate photographer and researcher from Tamil Nadu, has dedicated his career to uncovering and preserving the historical photographic techniques that shaped 19th century Indian photography. His journey led him to study early methods abroad and bring that expertise back to India, creating a unique space for artists to explore these lost arts.
- Daguerreotype images made on silver-coated copper plates
- Albumen prints used egg whites as a photographic binder
- Goa-CAP fosters experimental historic photography in India
What happened
Madhavan Pillai, a researcher and photographer from Tamil Nadu, pursued his passion for early photographic methods by studying daguerreotype photography in the US starting in 2006. This process involved capturing images on polished silver-coated copper plates—a challenging and intricate art led by renowned American daguerreotypist Jerry Spagnoli. After gaining valuable mentorship and knowledge, Pillai returned to India to establish the Goa Centre for Alternative Photography (Goa-CAP) in 2009.
Goa-CAP became the first and only institution in India devoted to researching and practicing historical photographic techniques. The center hosts artists from various countries for residencies that explore old photographic processes. Through extensive research including visits to museum archives and the British Library, Pillai studied the transition period from early daguerreotypes to Kodak photography between 1836 and 1886, highlighting how colonial contexts influenced the evolution of photography in India.
Why it feels good
Pillai’s work illuminates a period of rich photographic innovation at a time when India was undergoing profound social and political changes. Learning and reviving techniques like albumen prints—where egg whites were used to bind chemicals onto thin paper—showcases the craftsmanship behind iconic images, such as those documenting historic sites or colonial portraits. This layered understanding enriches appreciation of these photographs beyond their surface beauty.
By bridging centuries-old methods with contemporary artistic practice at Goa-CAP, Pillai promotes the preservation of a cultural heritage often overlooked. His dedication invites modern artists and viewers alike to connect with the history embedded in these images, emphasizing photography’s power to document and influence societal shifts, and to inspire new creativity rooted in tradition.
What to enjoy or watch next
Explore the fascinating techniques behind 19th century photographs like Benjamin Simpson's albumen prints of Indian monuments or Darogha Ubbas Ali’s portraits capturing Lucknow’s grandeur. Each photograph holds a story not only of its subject but also of the meticulous manual processes that created it. Learning about methods such as carte de visite reproductions and their material specifics invites a fresh lens on historical imagery.
For those intrigued by the intersection of art, science, and history in photography, the Goa Centre for Alternative Photography continues to be a crossroads for experimentation and education. Following Pillai’s ongoing projects or visiting alternative photography exhibitions can offer deeper insights into the craftsmanship and continued relevance of early photographic methods in India’s visual narrative.