RAGHUBIR SINGH

A Way into India The last project of one of the 20th-century's finest documentary photographers. Text by Raghubir Singh The last great photographic project of Raghubir Singh, one of the 20th century's finest documentary photographers A pictorial travelogue of India as seen from the windows of one of its most unexpected icons - the Ambassador car A testament to Singh's love affair with the sights, sounds and colours of India Temples and tourists, monsoon rains, paddy fields, tea plantations and elephants are dramatically framed by the Ambassador's distinctive curves Raghubir Singh (1942-99) was one of the twentieth century's finest documentary photographers. Born in Rajasthan, India, he won an international reputation, publishing over a dozen books, all on various aspects of his homeland. A Way Into India was his last great photographic project and is a testament to his love affair with the sights, sounds and colours of India, but also with one of its most unexpected icons - the Ambassador car. Continuously in production in India since 1957, the Ambassador is everywhere to be seen, in all possible guises - from delivery van to diplomatic limousine - and has become quintessentially Indian. Travelling back and forth across the country, Singh reveals India through the windows of the Ambassador. Temples and tourists, monsoon rains, paddy fields, tea plantations and elephants are dramatically framed by the Ambassador's distinctive curves. The old and the new sit side by side, as Singh and the Ambassador show us a way into India.

In his engaging, informative introduction to River of Colour, the first ever retrospective of his work, Singh explains what India means t him, focusing in particular on the importance of color in India. His instinctual affinity with color is seen again and again in his pictures that follow. 132 color photos.