Inspired by traditional Indian travelling photography studios, Arthur Crestani photographed the inhabitants of Gurgaon, a city built almost entirely by private companies. Arthur Crestani’s “Bad City Dreams” contrasts the glossy ideal sold by developers with urban reality. Here: AVJ Platinum #1: “Enhancing Lifestyles ...”. (Photo by Arthur Crestani/The Guardian)





Luxury Living Bhiwadi: “Sky Club on 18th Floor”. Passersby, workers and villagers pose in front of the idealised representations of modern homes. (Photo by Arthur Crestani/The Guardian)





ILD Grand: “As Grand as it Gets”. Each photograph’s title is based on the advertising slogan for the development pictured. (Photo by Arthur Crestani/The Guardian)





Royale Ville: “A Rare Treat of Elegance”. As part of a degree in urbanism, Crestani spent time living in Delhi. ”The urge to take the camera came out of the necessity to document my environment”, he explains. (Photo by Arthur Crestani/The Guardian)





GSR Drive #2: “Inspired by the Expanses of Central Park, New York, and Hyde Park, London”. “Urban spaces have been my preferred subjects for a long time, but I also want to look at other themes like culture and attachment”, says Crestani. (Photo by Arthur Crestani/The Guardian)





Aurum Towers: “Usher in a Magnificent Lifestyle”. The aim of Bad City Dreams was to show the aspirational element of India’s urbanisation. (Photo by Arthur Crestani/The Guardian)





Fairwealth Breeze Homes: “Podium Living, 85% Green Area”. “Gurgaon is a paradigm for the new Indian city: entirely privatised with no public space”, says Crestani. “It’s an image as much as a place”. (Photo by Arthur Crestani/The Guardian)





Arëte: “Twin Level Supersize Clubbing Zone Spread Over 12,000 Square Feet”. Crestani’s project set out to contrast the reality of urban life with the glossy images used to sell it. (Photo by Arthur Crestani/The Guardian)





Klock Tower: “Satisfy Your Longing for a Home Close to Heaven”. “My interest was in those who made up the majority of Gurgaon’s population”, he says. (Photo by Arthur Crestani/The Guardian)





Casa Bella: “An Innovation Defined By Passion”. “Bad City Dreams” will also be exhibited at the Influences Indiennes photo festival in Beaucouzé, France from 25 May – 24 June. (Photo by Arthur Crestani/The Guardian)





Alpathum: “Made For Leaders”. The series has been shortlisted for the Prix Dauphine pour l’Art Contemporain 2018. (Photo by Arthur Crestani/The Guardian)