Small, muggy rooms with peeling paint; mouldy sheets and pillow covers with lipstick stains: photographer Jaisingh Nageswaran’s photo series The Lodge is a study of the spaces people live in during the Koothandavar festival at Koovagam in Villupuram. The 18-day festival is an annual affair, and draws thousands of transpeople from across India as well as other parts of the world.
“For us, a stay at a hotel implies a relaxed time in a clean, comfortable room,” says the 45-year-old lensman. He says that he has tried to get a glimpse into several different lives by examining the region’s lodges. Thirteen years of documenting the Koothandavar festival has left him with many questions, memories, friendships, and of course, photographs.
The Lodge is now on display at the Kyotographie Photo Festival at Kyoto, Japan, where Jaisingh was selected as the Grand Prix winner for 2023. This is the first time an Indian has won at the prestigious event.
