[The trauma of the natural disasters in Nepal may seem insurmountable to the outside world. But the youth of Kathmandu are using art to start a process of healing and to raise relief for those rebuilding their lives after the earthquake. ]
Two brothers with a casually dangled cigarette to share ,brace for speed. Courtesy: Juju Bhai Dhakhwa. Click on the photo to buy the archival print.
In this morning trek, the valley untangles itself from sleep as it slowly wakes up with the rising sun. Courtesy: Ron Elliott Click on photo to buy this archival print.
Nepali Photography - from snowy peaks to evolving art
Patan Durbar Square By Kevin Bubriski
"Nepal was represented by Western photographers who were only interested in the snowy mountain peaks and sherpas carrying heavy loads. It was all about the romance of the climbing industry and the ethnic exotic qualities of Nepal. That’s what has really changed now — Nepali photographers understand the fine art and the commercial world of photography and Photo Circle is part of that"
"I was so privileged to see and share that week with the Nepali people, I decided then and there that I would keep coming back."
Photographed in the studio at their house, we see Amrit's mother and sister. Courtesy: Amrit Bahadur Chitrakar. Click on the image to buy the print
The photographer 's friend Meera Shrestha at the Central Zoo in Kathmandu in 1978. This was a part of an exhibition showing special relationships between women in the 60s and 70s. Courtesy: Renu Tuladhar
"It’s a brave decision. It really shows their generosity of spirit because the festival is going to be tenfold more difficult to organize after this trauma. But I think spiritually, and in terms of giving back a sense of hope and pride, it is an amazing thing for them to do."
Means of healing and hope
Two women in the midst of a traditional dance in Jodhpur in 1964. Courtesy: Larry Daloz. Click on the Image to buy the print
"The theme of the festival is “Time” and it looks to provide that — time and space to reflect upon the past and think about the future of Nepal."
A dentist removing an aching tooth using a plier as Bill Hanson's companion sought urgent relief from the pain. Courtesy: Bill Hanson
Assistant Panchayat officer leads training session for Panchayat members in an extremely remote part of Bhojpur district, February 1965. Courtesy: Larry Daloz
A Tharu man who would make his way to festivities organised by the landowners of Tansen. Courtesy: Ravi Mohan Shrestha. Click on image to buy the print
A photograph by Nepal Tourism Department's first official photographer. Taken in 1964 Courtesy: Mukunda Bahadur Shrestha
"Nepali photographers are never on the priority list. For the Nepali community, it is very important to have something here. That’s the crux of it. Those bridges need to be built."
(Another version of the same article also appeared on Vantage--the photography section of Medium magazine)