Contemporary Art in Nepal? Actually, yes, along with a lively but small group of fine artists who continue to challenge the norms and boundaries of Nepal’s numerous cultures, traditions, and personalities. The famous traditional arts, temples, statues, trekking, and mountains, are all here too, but Nepal is nothing close to a static Shangri-La, an image so easy to adopt from the popular images circulating on television, or “adventure” magazines. Modern Nepal combines the old and the new, and many contemporary artists have thus created new metaphors that deserve a more prominent voice. With nearly no local financial support, it is organizations like Spiny Babbler that work to support these creators, thereby allowing the people of Kathmandu to reflect and promote ideas often neglected and overlooked by the struggling government and political institutions. And because I came to Kathmandu to learn more about the relationship between fine arts and social change in South Asia before I embark on life as a graduate student of Asia Studies and Anthropology, finding Spiny Babbler, an organization devoted to the promotion of the arts in Nepal, was close to a miracle.

My job here is to interview fine artists and write their profile for the contemporary arts section of the on-line Spiny Babbler museum. Meeting artists, authors, poets, musicians, and performance artists in person! When in the USA does research (at least for someone who isn’t already a professor or journalist) involve meeting the artist rather than reading a few articles on the Internet? With experience only in the latter, my first few interviews pretty much knocked me off of my feet (luckily most were taken while sitting on the floor, reducing the chances of an actual fall…). Some had tears in their eyes. Other’s sparkled with the excitement, speaking with the dynamics reminiscent of the awesome civil rights leaders I studies in High School, whose speeches moved parts of America to finally see the hypocrisy. When will these artists get a similar spotlight? And how?

Living in Kathmandu is, of course, unbelievably different. For me, it’s wonderful. Where else can I write up my articles on the rooftop my building, soaking up the warm morning sun, and catching a glimpse of the Himalayas on the horizon? Or visit Boudhanath Stuppa, which, two days ago, was lined with candles and butter lamps to recognize the new moon? And then sit in Patan Durbar square contemplating the incredible history and intricate architecture of ancient Nepal in concert with a recent installation exhibition reflecting on the Maoist insurgency that I went to earlier in the day. Kathmandu Valley holds onto its history and creates its future, despite the current turmoil.

I’m from Cadillac, a small town in northern Michigan, and a have I B.A. in Anthropology and an M.A. in Education, both form the University of Michigan. Since then I’ve taught in Detroit, Shanghai, and Kathmandu, and hope to continue my life as a teacher and researcher, only this time at a university level. And return to Nepal as frequently as possible.