Abhi Chinniah – A Migrant’s Path

Abhi Chinniah – A Migrant’s Path

Central Gallery
12 August – 1 September
Opening: Saturday 14 August 2-4pm
Artist on site: Sunday 22 August 11-3pm

Look at the journey one takes settling abroad, away from the notion of home and in search of belonging. Auckland photographer, Abhi Chinniah draws from her lived experiences to tell the stories of migrant women of colour. With poetry by published author Sudha Rao, and music by Karnan Saba this must-see photographic exhibition delves into the beauty of tradition, heritage and what it means to be a migrant in Aotearoa.

Abhi Chinniah is a portrait photographer, podcaster, and writer. Her debut photographic series Light Skin Dark Skin used portraits of Kiwi women to explore the journeys people have to take as a result of the colour of their skin. She started her podcast Her Skin in June 2020, connecting with minority groups around the world. Her ongoing work celebrates the diverse cultures existing in Aotearoa. Drawing from her lived experiences, Abhi uses portraiture to elevate marginalized voices, women of colour, migrant communities, explore colourism and everything in between.

Born in Christchurch to Sri Lankan Malaysian parents, Abhi grew up in east-coast Malaysia. Her interest in portraiture began as a teenager when she was given a point-and-shoot camera. Abhi didn’t realize photography was her passion until her mid-twenties when between jobs she picked up a camera and never looked back.

Abhi resides in Auckland with her husband and their Border Collie.