Surendra Lawoti is fascinated by light, colour and space. The 30-year-old photography graduate from Columbia College Chicago uses these elements to document the immigrant experience of some of the 500 Nepalis living in Chicago and its suburbs. Surendra, who moved to the US in 1994, has been photographing the Nepali community in Chicago for the past two years, since the Chicago in the Year 2000 program first commissioned him to do so. His work got a boost this year when he won grants from Chicago's Community Arts Assistantship Program and a Chicago Art Council grant. "In a way, this project is a reflection of my own experience as a young Nepali finding his way in this city," Surendra told us. These photographs were recently exhibited at the NAFA Art Gallery. Surendra currently works with the photography department of Columbia College and teaches visual art classes to underprivileged high schoolers.

"Shiva" 2001
The living room of Rajesh Tuladhar and his family is filled with religious posters, Nepali handicrafts and other icons. At one end of the room, posters of Britney Spears, N'Sync and other teenage pop stars adorn the walls. They belong to Neha, Rajesh's niece, who is the youngest in the family.

"Dhiraj"
Dhiraj, suitcases packed and ticket in hand, is about to head to the airport to fly to Nepal, where he will visit family and friends he hasn't seen for six years.

"Thanksgiving"
Served with dal bhat, the traditional turkey is a must even for Nepalis at the all-American Thanksgiving festival started when the Puritans to thank Native Americans for their help.

"Sony"
Vivek is welcomed by the mother of his South Indian NRI bride Teja at the entrance of a Hindu temple where the marriage ceremony will take place.

"Neha"
As preparations for the ceremony take place, Neha leans on a limousine rented for family member Vivek's wedding.

"Suntan"
Prasoon takes in sun on the roof of the 'Ruby', a rented boathouse moored on the Illinois river. A two-hour drive from Chicago, the riverbank is a popular getaway for urban Chicago dwellers.

"Pooja kotha"
A workaday closet is turned into a religious altar in the home of Shrawan and his family.

"Rahul"
12-year-old Rahul stands strong and proud on a misty Chicago evening. An avid hip-hop enthusiast, Rahul can rap in Nepali and is always happy to entertain friends.

Surendra Lawoti