5000 years ago, two Brahmans named Bidhyadhar and Yeshodhar visited a place near Kumaripati. They had brought a lane with them which they rested against a wall before sleeping. The next morning when they woke up, they saw their lane turn into a big tree. People worship the tree as Barunbrikshya a form of lord Shiva up till this day. The two brahmans had burnt wood at night which is still burning in today’s day even after so many years. That’s why they named this place Aagnishal which means burning wood. My grandfather told me this story on the way home when he used to pick me up from school. We used to walk pass the same tree at Aagnishal. Since the tree is crooked, it blocks the road so people have to bend down to pass through. When I used to walk with my grandfather as a kid, I used to bend down watching my grandfather bend down even though I could easily walk through it up straight.

Buttressed through roots and ruins

Whispering through smoke

This body of work reflects on the gradual disappearance of a way of life in Dolpo, shaped by migration and the quiet resilience of those left behind. Since the early 20th ,migration has steadily increased, with a significant number of women leaving their homeland in search of stability beyond the mountains. As a result, men have become the enduring presence in Dolpo, holding together the fragments of culture, memory, and daily life. Dolpo shares deep cultural, linguistic, and spiritual ties with Tibet—visible in its food, festivals, and traditions. However, the political upheaval following the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1951 marked a turning point for the region. The global movement of Tibetan refugees reshaped not only Tibet but also influenced the aspirations and decisions of the Dolpo people. Gradually, migration became a common path, often facilitated by complex identities and narratives that allowed access to opportunities abroad. In many households, at least one member now lives in exile, and most who leave rarely return permanently. This absence has altered the social and cultural landscape of Dolpo, leaving behind a silent, emotional void carried largely by women. Through this painting, I attempt to capture that sense of loss and continuity—the emotions, traditions, and everyday life that remain rooted in the land. While migration cannot be halted, this work seeks to preserve and recall the beauty of Dolpo: its landscapes, its people, and its enduring cultural spirit, remembered across distance and time.

Results for "photography"

Buttressed through roots and ruins

Whispering through smoke

bhumo (Dol.extintion)

Imitating Tree

Childhood memories

At night, she leans alone