Elans Mandal, originally from New Delhi, is a contemporary photographer now based in Cape Town. An Arts graduate from Delhi University, he explores colour, textures, surfaces and the human element in his photographs.

Born into a conservative, lower-class family, he spent most of his time at home with members of the family. As a child, Elans used whatever was at hand to express his creativity. His childhood experiences continue to contribute to his worldview as an artist.

Elans tried several different career options but was always drawn back to the creative outlet provided by a career in fashion (modelling), art and photography.

A keen observer, he observes the textures, light and shadows all around him, keeping himself up to date about the world through social media. In his work you can see how he is inspired by the old city and the human side of city life.

He admires the work of photographers like Ram Rahman, Sohrab Hura and Elliot Erwitt. Elans’s work is a window to how he sees and experiences the world around him.