The Native Types - Flirting, 2006

Pushpalama N. is an Indian-born contemporary photographer. After earning a Bachelor's Degree in Economics, English and Psychology from the University of Bangelore, India; she went on to pursue a Master's Degree in Fine Arts from the Indian academic institution, Baroda. While there, she studied sculpture and was inspired by the work of artists, Raghav Kaneria, Bhupen Khakhar and K. G. Subramanyan. Pushpalama's first success as an artist came in the realm of sculpture. Her first exhibition was in that discipline at a 1983 show in Bangelore. Soon thereafter, however, Pushpalama abandoned sculpture to pursue performance photography. Pushpalama N garnered a reputation for taking photos which explore places, gender and history. She has been the recipient of numerous accolades, including recognition from India's National Film Awards in 1984, a Charles Wallace Trust Fellowship from 1992-93, a Senior Fellowship from the Indian Ministry of Human Resource and Development from 1995-97 and an Arts Collaboration Grant from the Indian Foundation of Arts in the year 2000. Pushpalama also participated in India's Sixth Triennial in 1986 and won a gold medal. Pushpalama's photographic exhibitions have been displayed in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. N. Pushpalama often uses herself as a model in her photos. (Artist website)