The Negatives

(2010)

“The Negatives” is a striking photographic series by Leena that delves into the intriguing world of negative imagery. This series offers a reverse glimpse into everyday moments and characters, from the enigmatic “Phool Bibi” to the storied “Nawabi Babu.” Leena plays with shadow and light to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, casting familiar scenes into new, mystifying realms. Each image connects disparate entities in a dance of darkness and luminescence. This collection is a celebration of the unseen, a testament to the beauty that lies within the shades of grey.

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A man wearing glasses sits in a tea room filled with framed photos and clocks, holding onto an inverted umbrella

Babu At The Tea Cabin

In negative format, a barber shop with open wooden doors reveals a man getting a haircut while another stands behind him

Expert Hand Saloon

God Kartikeye, worshipped by women in Kolkata's red-light areas, shown here being worshipped by a married couple

Kartigya Weds

A man in glasses and a black kurta leans on his arm before a shelf of jars, in an image with inverted colours

Khaini Babu

A negative-filtered image of a Kali murti seen through bamboo, with intricate ornamentation and fine details

kumartoli Re-exposed

A negative-filtered image of a notary office where three men drink tea, while another reclines near a desk with papers

Babu At The Bar

A Babu in glasses looks up at the sky on his terrace, as a bird silhouette pecks his head, with a historic building behind him

Babu And The Crow

A Bengali Babu in traditional attire stands on a terrace near an old building, watching birds fly across the sky

Babu on Terrace

A busy street market with walkers, rickshaws, and vendors selling goods—captured in negative colors

Here There Everywhere

A negative image of a child near a doorway touching their ear; a mirror reflects a patterned curtain and part of a room

Lal Batir Ghar

Two close friends sit together in a tram; other passengers are seen through a window, with a 'For Ladies Only' sign visible

The Tram Ride

A man sits at a counter in an old clock shop, surrounded by vintage wall clocks—each one frozen in time

Time Standing Still

Phool Bibi sits on a bed of God posters, clinging to sanity, with a clock and hanging clothes, looking toward the camera

Phool Bibi

A negative image of a Babu standing in front of a tailoring shop, with shades of grey coaxing the details within

Nawabi Babu

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Leena Kejriwal’s galleries are powerful visual narratives that illuminate the harsh realities of our world while inspiring change through art.