Mixing the splendour of Nepali travel photography with an admirable fundraising project for earthquake victims, ‘Yatri’ is worth paying a visit
Upon entering the gallery space at Bikalpa Art Center & Cafe in Pulchok, you are greeted by three untitled photographs. The first is a group portrait of women, the second is an all-male group portrait, and the third shows damaged school buildings – all three images were captured during the April earthquake.
However as you walk through ‘Yatri’, a photo exhibit by freelance photographer Kaushal Sapkota, you realise that it is more than just about the earthquake – it’s about life in Nepal in general.
By the Smoke. All photos: Kaushal Raj Sapkota
In total, 35 photographs are displayed on three sides of the 16’ by 34’ gallery hall. Each side evokes a different emotive experience to the yatri (meaning traveller in Nepali).
The eleven photographs on the left convey the three major themes of life, solitude and peace, existence and non-existence. Here, you follow the photographer’s journey, in search of more questions and answers. As Sapkota asks you and other travellers of the unknown – ‘where are we and what are we looking for?’ – you are guided towards his answer as you move through the exhibit.
Into the Deserted Wild
As you face forward, the images on the centre wall are less heavy and focus on the depiction of contemporary life. Three images from the earthquake mark the central focus of this side. On either side from this centre point, two photos highlight the lives of women in Nepal and education being spurred on to improve their situations. The symmetry extends further from the centre extending to the left side and the right, with contrasting images. The remaining photos on the left side are from Mustang, Mugu and Kathmandu, while those on the right depict New York City. The keywords describing the Nepal side are 'opportunity', 'migration' and 'spirituality' while the words 'makeover', 'Sisyphus', and '911' represent New York City.
Each image of the final section, as you turn to your right hand, has its own theme. Eight of the images are breathtaking scenes from Upper Mustang, Rara National Park. The traveller, still searching for answers about himself and human nature becomes overwhelmed by the beauty of the natural landscape of the Himalayan range. One exemplary photograph entitled ‘Heaven on Earth’ captures the image of the holy site Muktinath with the expression: ‘God’s mystic creation’.
Powerful Change
Signs denoting ‘photos for sale’ and the introduction letter at the entrance explain that this exhibition was initiated to collect donations for the earthquake-affected communities in Gorkha district. Each photo sells for Rs 3,500-5,000 and the proceeds will be donated to the Nyano Sansar project of local NGO Nepal Share.
Mixing the splendour of Nepali travel photography with an admirable fundraising project for earthquake victims, ‘Yatri’ is worth paying a visit. Moreover, the images masterfully taken by Sapkota over the span of four years are worth showcasing and collecting, as they provide lasting images and incite conversation of our past, present and future travels.
Seulki Lee
8-17 January
2-8pm everyday
Bikalpa Art Center, Pulchok