Photographer Avani Rai navigated the unique challenge of completing her late father Raghu Rai’s work for the Pirelli Calendar 2027, transforming a generational handoff into a collaborative exploration of India. Raghu Rai, an Indian photography master, died in April after establishing a decades-long relationship with documenting the country, leaving behind intentions for the high-profile series that his daughter ultimately stepped in to realize.
Multiple Perspectives Shape the Pirelli Calendar 2027
For the first time in the Cal™’s history, the Pirelli Calendar brings together multiple photographic voices, pairing Sølve Sundsbø with Raghu Rai. However, Avani Rai’s addition to the project meant three distinct pairs of eyes ultimately shaped the 2027 collection. According to Avani Rai, India’s immense scale demands diverse viewpoints because multiple events occur simultaneously within the same space.
“It’s very interesting to have three pairs of eyes on India, because there’s an interaction, and then a dialogue begins,” Avani Rai said. “Everyone’s storytelling ways are so different, and the dialogue becomes interesting – especially as I was interacting with my father.”
Did you know? The Pirelli Calendar, often referred to as “The Cal,” is an exclusive annual publication.
Discovering Another World Through a Father’s Lens
Working alongside her father allowed Avani Rai to physically examine how he framed his subjects. She described occasionally taking his camera to review his shots before comparing them directly with her own framing. According to the photographer, this process revealed an entirely different dimension of visual storytelling.
“I would quickly take his camera and see what he photographed, then look at my own work. I’ve seen another world,” Avani Rai said. “What was exciting was that we’re all capable of accessing that other world.”
Rather than attempting to mimic her father’s style, Avani Rai maintained that imitation would yield an inferior result. She stated that staying true to her own identity during their interactions was the only authentic way to honor his legacy.
“It’s not like I’m trying to photograph like him, because in order to photograph like him, I have to be who I was being – me – and I was interacting with him,” she explained, adding that “imitation would make you a lesser version of something already done.”
Carrying Forward a Lifelong Tribute to India
Stepping into her father’s gaze provided a profound sense of personal connection for Avani Rai following his death in April. She acknowledged the heavy responsibility of finishing his assignment while emphasizing the emotional closeness she felt while working on the project.
“It’s a lot of responsibility on my shoulders,” Avani Rai noted. “But I felt very close to my father doing this. Connected with him. That’s the feeling.”
Raghu Rai’s contribution to the project was intended as a tribute to India, blending his lifelong visual record with contemporary expressions of the nation’s diverse population. Avani Rai noted that leaving his vision unrealized was simply unthinkable.
“Photography was his gift to me – not just as a craft, but as a way of seeing – and in that we found a quiet, profound connection,” she said.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who photographed the Pirelli Calendar 2027?
The Pirelli Calendar 2027 features work by Sølve Sundsbø and Raghu Rai. Avani Rai stepped in to complete her late father’s portion of the project following his death in April.
How many photographers contributed to the 2027 project?
The project incorporates multiple photographic voices, specifically shaped by three pairs of eyes: Sølve Sundsbø, Raghu Rai, and Avani Rai.
What was Avani Rai’s approach to completing her father’s work?
Avani Rai avoided imitating her father’s style, choosing instead to approach India through her own perspective while interacting with his established vision.
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