Cloud in the Box, a collective of accomplished artists, and alumina of Delhi college of Art, has long been dedicated to making art more accessible and relatable to people from all walks of life. Guided by mentors and stalwarts in the art world, the group has consistently created events that blend artistic innovation with meaningful community engagement. From hosting inspiring exhibitions to embracing the digital shift, Cloud in the Box continues to redefine how art can touch lives.

Their journey has been marked by ground-breaking events such as ‘Yes Art Can,’ a widely acclaimed art conclave that featured luminaries like Dr. Alka Pande, Peter Nagy, Nuzhat Kazmi, Veer Munshi and Shukla Sawant, etc. This event delved into the intersection of art and society, bringing together artists, critics, and curators to discuss the transformative power of art.

In 2020, Cloud in the box started a series of Live portrait events called- “The Portrait of the Spirited. The objective of this project was to revive a culture where artists and important individuals from different spheres of society came together and created a positive wave to make an art-conscious society.

Established and professional portrait artists painted the invited celebrated personalities in a live session. This event marked the blurring of perceived or created boundaries between the art, the artist and the masses.

“CITB Portrait of the Spirited” was very well received by everyone and was a huge success.

Another highlight was ‘Timelapse,’ a heartfelt photography exhibition in memory of the late Krishan Ahuja, where celebrated photographers from various industries came together to honor his legacy.

These offline events established Cloud in the Box as a force in the art world, blending creativity with purpose. When the pandemic disrupted traditional platforms for art, Cloud in the Box saw an opportunity to innovate. They launched the CITB Mobile Photography Awards, a digital initiative aimed at democratizing art by celebrating the power of mobile photography. This platform invited participants-amateurs and professionals alike-to capture beauty in the everyday and transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. In the two online editions, the initiative saw overwhelming participation, proving that creativity knows no bounds, even in challenging times.

The entries were judged by photography stalwarts such as Akash Das, Shabir Hussain, Idris Ahmed, Anil Risal, and Sanjay Das, whose expertise elevated the showcase. Each photograph spoke volumes about the transformative power of mobile photography, reminding viewers that art truly exists everywhere.

The success of these online editions culminated in a grand physical exhibition, the CITB Mobile Photography Awards Exhibition held at Gallery Onkaf, New Delhi, from November 22 to 24, 2024.

The exhibition was a vibrant celebration of photography, featuring selected entries from the two online editions.

The gallery came alive with powerful visual stories, capturing moments of stillness, joy, and artistic brilliance.

CITB Mobile Photography Awards Exhibition was inaugurated on Day 1 by Samar Singh Jodha, a renowned photographer and installation artist, who uses photography, film, and public art projects to address critical issues such as community development and conservation. His presence set the tone for an inspiring three-day event, celebrating creativity and community.

The venue’s serene ambiance and carefully curated displays created an inviting space for participants, photography enthusiasts, and visitors to engage with the works. The event not only highlighted the creative potential of mobile photography but also demonstrated how accessible tools like smartphones can turn everyday moments into celebrated art.

Beyond the visual showcase, the exhibition featured two days of enriching talks and discussions.

On day 2, Idris Ahmed, Photographer & a Mentor and an executive director & publisher of the photography magazine – FRAME, shared his insights on the evolution of Mobile Photography, emphasizing its role in making art more accessible. He also gave insightful tips to the participants on how to click interesting pictures using phone camera.

Later, on day 3 as the event finale Akash Das an acclaimed Advertising and fashion Photographer captivated the audience with stories from his dynamic career in wildlife and fashion photography, inspiring participants to view the world through a creative lens. These sessions were invaluable, offering both practical knowledge and creative inspiration to budding photographers.

The exhibition was made possible through the support of gallery partner Gallery Onkaf and the dedicated team at Cloud in the Box. Their collective effort ensured the event’s success, creating a space that celebrated creativity and fostered a sense of community.

For many attendees, it wasn’t just an exhibition but a platform to connect, learn, and grow as artists and enthusiasts.

Looking Ahead: Cloud in the Box is excited to announce the 3rd Edition of the CITB Mobile Photography Awards. This next chapter promises to bring even more stories and visions to light, inviting participants from all walks of life to join the movement.

Cloud in the Box remains committed to its mission of bringing art closer to people. Whether through innovative events, digital platforms, or physical exhibitions, the collective believes in the power of art to inspire and connect. Their work is a testament to the idea that art is not confined to galleries or studios-it’s everywhere, waiting to be captured and shared.

Through initiatives like the CITB Mobile Photography Awards, Cloud in the Box is not only transforming how we perceive art but also proving that anyone with a passion to create can become an artist. Stay tuned for the upcoming edition and be part of this extraordinary journey of art.