Gagan Sadana is a Gravesend based street photographer, passionate about capturing the unseen emotions that people experience within their everyday lives. His vast list of accomplishments include work published in the World Street Photography Book 2015, alongside being a Panasonic Europe Ambassador with an image currently displayed at the Royal Photographic Society Biennial Exhibition.
As a local artist, Sadana regularly has work exhibited in the No. 84 Tearoom and Eatery based at Echo Square, Gravesend, and has a strong relationship with owner Adrian Flaherty, who is passionate about sharing local artwork within the Gravesham community. The event itself was on the 22nd of October 2015, and was well-attended by a group of 26 people, containing art students, as well as amateur and professional photographers, including press photographer Manu Palomeque and Graham Long, Town Centre Manager of Gravesend.
During his talk, Sadana spoke about his experience of street photography and about how he developed his own unique style, naming Bruce Gidlen of Magnum Photos as his inspiration. Alongside his day job as an IT Manager, Sadana has produced a huge range of work over the past three years, and is an enormous believer of sharing work within the local community, as he explained, ‘it is important to share your work, but only the good work'.
The evening was hugely enjoyable for all who attended, as Sadana not only shared tips and experiences, but revealed the fascinating stories behind some of his best photographs. The audience were enthralled by Sadana as they enjoyed tea and cake in the picturesque vintage café, and for a price of only £5.00 per person, the talk was accessible to all budding artists and street photographers in the area.
Megan Bell, an art student currently attending UCA in Rochester, described the event as ‘an interesting evening that helped me to learn more about the photography industry and the stories behind Gagan’s pictures’, a statement which will undoubtedly resonate with many members of the audience that night.
It is important to note that this captivating and thought-provoking evening would not have been possible without the support of the No. 84 Tearoom. Owner Adrian Flaherty states that he believes ‘it is important to support local artists, which we do by giving them a platform to promote themselves amongst receptive and like-minded recipients’, and this community hub certainly has a huge following of local artists all over Gravesham and Kent. Other regular events at the No. 84 Tearoom and Eatery include ‘Skeptics in the Pub’, ‘S.A.M Club’, a book club, craft nights and private functions.
