Photographs of India by Paul Hanson

CLU history professor Paul Hanson’s connection with India goes back more than four decades to his first visit as a Fulbright Fellow. On the way, he bought his first camera, which became his constant companion on subsequent travels to more than 40 countries. He always returns to India, which he considers to be the most visually stunning country in the world.

The photographs in this exhibition were taken in central and western India in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh last February and March. Hanson found daily life for most people in the rural towns and villages not much changed from his first visit, despite the country’s recent rise as an economic power. “It is a hard life but the character and beauty of the people who must survive does, I hope, come through in the photographs exhibited here,” said Hanson.

An opening reception will be held Thursday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m. The exhibition runs through Jan. 26.

Admission is free. The Kwan Fong Gallery, located in Soiland Humanities Center, is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.