Unfolding a Life in Frames and Words
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The Archival Treasures of Adil Jussawalla in Alibaug
For most literary enthusiasts, Adil Jussawalla is a name synonymous with powerful poetry and sharp editorial insight. Honoured with the Sahitya Akademi Award, he is celebrated for his contribution to Indian English literature. Yet, hidden behind the verses and editorial columns is a lesser-known facet of Jussawalla’s creative journey—his deep engagement with photography. A new exhibition at The Guild in Alibaug offers a rare window into this side of his artistic life.
Curated by Deeptha Achar and Chithra K. S., The Archives of Adil Jussawalla is a multidimensional showcase that goes far beyond conventional literary retrospectives. Running from May 3 to June 29, 2025, the exhibition brings together a rich and eclectic collection of Jussawalla’s personal archive, offering visitors an intimate look at the elements that shaped his creative universe.
On display are meticulously preserved manuscripts, handwritten notes, typewritten drafts, newspaper clippings, poems, books, lists, and even pressed plants—each piece offering a glimpse into the poet’s intellectual and emotional landscapes. Yet, perhaps the most surprising and delightful aspect of the exhibit is Jussawalla’s photography. Known to carry his camera everywhere during a certain phase of his life, he documented the world around him with a keen and reflective eye, creating visual narratives that often echoed his poetic themes.
The curators have thoughtfully explored the connections between his photographs and his literary output, highlighting how both practices informed and complemented each other. Through this lens, the exhibition delves into Bombay’s dynamic artistic milieu of the 1970s—a period of transformation, resistance, and cultural awakening. Jussawalla’s photographs serve as visual companions to his literary works, capturing the same cityscapes, emotions, and socio-political undercurrents that find voice in his poems.
This convergence of text and image makes The Archives of Adil Jussawalla a truly compelling experience. It’s not merely about revisiting the work of a renowned writer; it’s about understanding how various forms of expression coexist in the creative process. It also underscores the act of archiving itself—not just as preservation, but as storytelling. Jussawalla’s scrapbooks and carefully filed notes speak of a life that was constantly observing, collecting, and curating moments, whether in words or images.
The Guild’s tranquil setting in Alibaug offers the perfect backdrop for such a reflective exhibition. Tucked away on Mandwa-Alibaug Road, this serene gallery space provides a contemplative environment for viewers to immerse themselves in the archival material. The show invites not just literary minds or photography enthusiasts, but anyone intrigued by the interplay of memory, art, and narrative.
Ultimately, the exhibition is a celebration of the many roles that Adil Jussawalla has played—as poet, editor, archivist, and quiet observer behind the lens. It reminds us that creative lives often extend beyond the boundaries of a single medium, and that inspiration can be found in the most unexpected envelopes—sometimes quite literally.
Do not miss this rare opportunity to journey through the mind and memory of one of India’s most compelling literary figures.
Exhibition Details:
The Archives of Adil Jussawalla
Venue: The Guild, 1028, Ranjanpada, next to Sai Temple, Mandwa-Alibaug
Road, Alibaug
Dates: 3rd May to 29th June 2025
