News Summary
- A photo exhibition featuring three Nepali photographers – Kishor Sharma, Uma Bista, and Sagar Chhetri – has begun in Lonato del Garda, Italy.
- The exhibition showcases images depicting the lifestyle of the Raute community, the Chhaupadi tradition of Achham, and the identity of the Madhesh region.
- These photographs, selected by Italian curator Filippo Mazzà, will be displayed until August 30.
May 31, Kathmandu – A photo exhibition titled “Nepal Today: In the Forest, In the Village” is currently underway in Lonato del Garda, Italy. The exhibition, which opened on June 11, will run until August 30. It features works by three Nepali photographers: Kishor Sharma, Uma Bista, and Sagar Chhetri.
The photographs were selected and curated by the Italian curator Filippo Mazzà.
Kishor Sharma’s series “Living in the Mist” documents the Raute community’s nomadic lifestyle over six years. Published as a photo book as well, the series offers a rare glimpse into the Raute’s resistance to assimilation into the modern world. It also reflects the possibilities of an alternative and autonomous way of living.
Uma Bista’s photo series “Songs of the Forest” portrays adolescent girls in Achham district who are forced to live in seclusion during menstruation due to the Chhaupadi tradition. Despite being declared illegal in 2005 and a punishable offense since 2018, the practice persists due to social ostracism and fear of religious sanctions.
Sagar Chhetri’s photo series “Eclipse” highlights the complex relationship between the people of Nepal’s southern Madhesh border region and the state, as well as the frequently contested identity of the region.
In the exhibition’s introduction, curator Filippo Mazzà discusses the significant differences between the current state of Western photography and its role in the Southern Hemisphere.
He also sheds light on the emerging generation of contemporary Nepali photographers, stating, “Nepal has presented itself not only as a country focused on photography, but also as one where young artists explore themes such as gender issues, memory and identity, post-colonial heritage, politics, society, religion, and culture.”
“This generation of contemporary artists is perhaps the first in Nepal to present strong artistic backgrounds, vibrant energy, meaningful content, and fearless expressions through their work, despite the lack of public and private facilities in the country.”
The exhibition catalog is published by the renowned Italian publishing house Silvana Editoriale. This project has received support from the Italian Ministry of Culture’s Strategia Fotografia 2025 program.
