Geraldine Forbes and Her Presentation on Researching Women's Lives: History and Photography in Colonial India
Geraldine Forbes, a renowned scholar in the field of visual culture and memory studies from New York. On February 28, 2025, she delivered a compelling presentation on the significance of photographs as vessels of memory and tools for construction of feminist history. This event was organized by the Department of History in collaboration with Gender Studies Cell.
Forbes' presentation, titled “Researching Women's Lives: History and Photography in Colonial India” explored how photographs serve not only as artistic expressions but also as crucial tools for collective and personal memory. She emphasized that photographs capture moments in time, allowing individuals and communities to recall experiences, emotions, and historical events.
Forbes highlighted the psychological mechanisms by which photographs trigger memories. She referenced studies indicating that visual stimuli can evoke strong emotional responses, helping individuals reconnect with past experiences.
She discussed the role of nostalgia, explaining how photographs often evoke longing for the past and can strengthen personal identity.
Forbes examined how photographs interact with cultural narratives. She illustrated this with examples from various historical contexts, demonstrating how photographs can shape collective memory and influence societal perceptions.
Forbes discussed how the accessibility of photography has transformed personal and collective memory, with smartphones enabling instant capture and sharing of moments.
She raised critical questions about the implications of digital photography, particularly regarding the preservation of memories in an age of rapid consumption and disposal.
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