In 2016, I visited Panna Meena Kund, a stepwell in Jaipur, and was struck by its Escher-like geometry. Returning in 2024, I hired three Kalbelia women—renowned for their folk dance—to reenact water-gathering scenes in natural light. Stepwells like this date back to 2000 BCE, serving as water sources and social hubs. Built in the 12th century, this one was active until the 1970s. Kalbelias, known for snake-handling and dance, gained global acclaim through Gulabo Sapera and a 2010 UNESCO honor.
Barry Crosthwaite is an American travel photographer based in San Francisco. His style spans photojournalism, street photography, portraiture, landscape, and conceptual storytelling, always rooted in the interaction between people and place. His work is informed through regular travel through seven continents. Through a discerning eye for vibrant hues, captivating light, and compelling narratives, he creates images that transcend the ordinary.