Helix: Experimental Photography by Akriti Sondhi

Akriti Sondhi is a Paris-based photographer whose experimental projects often explore everyday phenomena with acute interest in movement and colours. Her latest project ‘Helix’ is an observation on the occurence of ‘rainbow puddles’ which can be seen on the sides of roads after rain.

“For my project, I used oil to create these puddles within the controlled conditions of a studio in order to understand them better. Over time and after many tests, I was able to have some control over the shape, size, colours and even the intensity of colours. I have also created a short bio for the project:

Experimentation with oil and water to explore and understand the phenomenon of ‘rainbow puddle’ (iridescent colours being formed on the sides of roads on a rainy day) in a controlled environment. The idea for this project was conceived in 2019 while I was walking down a road on a rainy day. As I was walking, I saw a puddle of iridescent colours being formed next to a car. At the time I did not know that this phenomena, that I have cherished all my life, had a name – ‘rainbow puddle’.

While working on this project I couldn’t help but think of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (2010). As a teen who has always loved nature, I was deeply affected by the images from the disaster. The effects of the oil spill were not just limited to marine animals and vegetation but also birds, and possibly affected the groundwater. The devastating ecological impact will require decades to recover.”

— Akriti Sondhi

More experimental photography Visit her website