LAST DAY @ PHOTO KATHMANDU

DAY #10

9 November, 2015

The murale on the wall had been completed much than the last day. I was amazed to hear that Shilo and Heather had worked past midnight. Their dedication to their work was surprising. I joined them as well. it was my fast today and I couldn’t accept dough nut that Fabrice offered.

Later in the day, I was with Fabrice being as interpreter helping to make a documentary video about the women in Chyaasal. We filmed a woman working in construction site. Fabrice was amazed to see that. He claimed that no women in UK work in construction sites. I said the scenario was different here in Nepal.

Today was the last day of the week long exhibition. The last event of the exhibition was a presentation in Swotha. I guess they have been saving the best for the last. Photographs were awesome! Especially of Shikhar Bhattarai dai that showed the other side of Annapurna Range.

DAY #11

10 November, 2015

I and Fabrice were to go to shoot women working in the fields. DM didi took us to the field where four women were working. They all were relatives. Latter on another didi came in to work in field. She was a teacher as well. They agreed to sing as per Fabrice’s request. Shreeti joined in and conversation went on in Newari. We took portraits as well. We went to interview other women of the Chyaasal community and their portraits. Fabrice became aware of our interest in videography and gave us to shoot few scenes for his documentary. I got to work with his slider and stand and cameras!

Yes, the exhibition is over! But the un-installation day is today. All the photographs of the exhibition are being un-installed. Also, the murale is yet to be finished. The kids bought some Tihar gifts for Shilo and Heather. The kids were in love with them. After we came from a break, they had prepared a Mandap and suprises for the ‘Fearless’ team. The kids were playing with Shilo and Heather. They wanted to finish the murale but they didn’t want to leave the children as well. Shilo, Heather, Fabrice, Shreeti and I were invited by DM didi, the female community representative, to have snacks. She served us a delicious Newari Khaja Set.

Fabric wanted a Newari dress. Shreeti and I were brainstorming to get him one in such a short notice. We felt lucky finding out that one of the didi we interviewed had a tailor. Shreeti had already taken Shilo and Heather to make one. I and Fabrice rushed to get one. We had a dramatic scene there. Because it was festival time, didi was busy and could spare time only to make three sets. Heather had ordered one and Shilo had ordered two. Fabrice called Shilo and asked if she could cancel one so that he could get one as well. Finally, he got one!

It was so nice of Fabrice to teach me Kapuara. He taught me the basics of Kapuara and I enjoyed it. After having a short break, we continued our painting. Shilo asked me, Saroj and Utsav to join her the next day and on final day (Thursday) as well. I was so happy but could not join her because I had Mha Puja to attend. On Thursday as well, I was unable to join them. It was Tihar days and had to be with family as well.

The whole Photo Kathmandu experience was awesome for me. Being a part of the event and working with international photographers was great. Fearless workshop gave a platform to enjoy the local Newari culture and listen to stories from women of Chyaasal. I also got to see the ‘painter’ version of me! Thanks a lot to Photo Kathmandu team.