Rajasthan, situated in the northwest of

India, is a land of contrasts : from the

arid plains in the west sculpted by desert

winds to the eastern states with their lush

fertile valleys and rolling hills cloaked in

green. Not only do the region's imposing

forts, palaces, and pleasure pavilions continue

to enthrall visitors from across the world, it is

also a land rich in street color and popular

pageantry.

Bruno Morandi's vibrant photographs expertly

capture the everyday life of those living in

Rajasthan-from the isolation of the Thar

desert to women washing in groups on the

banks of lake Picchola, and from camel

herders chatting at the Pushkar camel fair

to children playing in the streets of Jodhpur,

the blue city. The photographs also provide a

glimpse into havali , the once luxurious homes

of wealthy merchants, ornately decorated with

richly painted frescos.

Impressions of Rajasthan offers a unique view

of women painting the walls of their modest

homes with powerful, sacred frescoes

depicting village scenes, abstract designs, or

natural elements such as trees in blossom,

peacocks, elephants, tigers, and lotus flowers.

The informative text by Carisse and Gérard

Busquet provides the historical context of this

land rich in architectural patrimony and

artistic tradition. It explains the symbolism

and spiritualism portrayed in the murals that

are essential to the cultural heritage of

Rajasthan.

This uncharted voyage across an ethnically

diverse land with its momentous history is

rich in color, detailed observation, and, above

all, vitality.