Kunal Sharma’s photography has really been making the rounds, and it’s currently on exhibit at the main branch of the Wellesley Free Library.
Kunal introduces himself on his Kunal’s Klicks website, by proclaiming: “I have down syndrome. So what? I have many hopes and dreams like everyone else and most importantly have high expectations of myself.”
The photographic results of those expectations are on display at the library, as they have also been at past trunk shows (including at Wellesley Square’s Isabel Harvey), and will be later this year at Weston Public Library.
Kunal lives in a group home in Sharon and attends a day program in Wrentham, where he works or volunteers. His parents, Sandhya and Ravi, live in Wellesley, and coordinated with Kunal to answer our questions about his photography.
The 36-year-old has long been drawn to art, though picked up his photography skills during the pandemic. He went on long drives with his parents, and his favorite spots were beaches.
“We would visit different beaches each weekend. His picture taking was very organic'” Sandhya says. “He took them with his iPhone and would later look at them at home just to help jog his memory and give himself a visual representation of his day.”
Ravi adds: “Initially, he saw his parents taking pictures on walks and hikes during the pandemic and did the same. It spurred something inside him and started asking to go out to take pictures.”
As he became more interested in photography, Kunal branched out to taking pictures of fall colors, water, and cars. “Now almost everything captures his attention,” Sandhya says.
Locally, Morses Pond is a favorite subject, and the library is a place he has enjoyed visiting in the past to pick up movies.
There’s no theme to Kunal’s library exhibit, but Ravi says: “The idea of the show was to share the world and what holds visual appeal for him through his eyes, even though he is not able to articulate his thoughts behind it.”
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That is so cool kunal. What a wonderful person he is. I went to middle school with him. He was in my middle school class. But in high school we were in different class rooms. I knew him since the school years of 1996-1997 . At msms in burlington ma. He is a cool person. Keep up the good art work kunal. Take care-Nicholas Alexander Leach.
Dear Kunal,
You are a genius and an inspirations for all of us.
Keep doing good work.
What a wonderful tribute to the world and how supportive his family and friends are of his experiences. I am so touched.
Susan Fowler
Such an inspiration Kunal! Keep up the great work! We are all so proud!!!
Lindsey Fusher
Hello, Kunal – We haven’t seen you since you were a little boy, but it looks like you have grown into a very talented man. Thanks for sharing your photographs with others! Maybe some day we can see them (and you) in person!
Jeanette& Dan McCollum
My dear Sandhya,
Thank you very much for sharing the link to Kunal’s photographs display at the Wellesley Library. It must give him a huge emotional boost while making you all proud. Well done!
Lots of love, always, Hari.
My dear Kunal, Fantastic display of beautiful images. You remain my no#1 Rockstar! Much love. And best wishes for 2022.
Ravi Deshpande
Beautiful Kunal, I can’t wait to go see the exhibit!