Symbiosis Unveiled: Art, Nature, and the Way of the Forest
Urmila Gamwa Tharu
January 31, Kathmandu | In the heart of Nepal, nestled within the embrace of a dense forest, there exists a narrow path where the echoes of history resonate through the rustling dry leaves and towering thick trees. This mysterious trail, immortalized by Nepali artists, serves as a canvas that vividly portrays the tumultuous journey of a nation—a journey marked by spirits that once walked these very grounds.
Legend has it that spectral entities continue to tread upon this historic trail, whispering tales of a bygone era. It is not just a forest; it is a living testament to the resilience and fortitude of the Nepali people, etching their struggles and triumphs on the bark of ancient trees.
As one ventures deeper into the heart of the forest, the air becomes laden with the weight of history. The same path that witnesses the footsteps of spirits also bears the indelible marks of a decade-long conflict—a period that left scars on the landscape and the collective consciousness of Nepal.
The canvas of this forest is painted with hues of both sorrow and hope. The juxtaposition of the dry leaves underfoot and the towering trees overhead creates an atmosphere of introspection. It is on these winding trails that Nepali history unfolded—a narrative of war and terror that gripped the nation for ten long years.
The trees, like silent witnesses, stand tall and stoic, their gnarled branches reaching towards the sky, perhaps mirroring the resilience of the Nepali people who traversed this very path during tumultuous times. The leaves, though dry and brittle, retain a certain beauty, reminiscent of the stories etched into the very fabric of the land.
Nepali artists have captured the essence of this forest, translating the whispers of history into evocative brushstrokes. Through their art, they have encapsulated the spirit of a nation, turning the narrow path into a gallery of emotions and memories.
To walk through this forest is to step into a living museum, where each tree tells a story, and every fallen leaf cradles the echoes of the past. The interplay of light and shadow adds a cinematic quality to the journey as if the spirits of yesteryears dance through the sun-dappled foliage.
As we tread on the hallowed ground, it becomes evident that this forest is not merely a geographical location; it is a sacred passage through time. The footprints of history linger on the trail, inviting contemplation and reflection. The narrow path, once marred by conflict, now stands as a symbol of resilience—a bridge between the haunting echoes of the past and the hopeful whispers of the future.
In the quiet rustle of leaves and the towering presence of ancient trees, the Nepali forest beckons, urging us to listen, learn, and weave the threads of history into the tapestry of our collective memory.
The spirits of these lands, rivers, and forests speak in hushed whispers, carrying tales that echo through the annals of folklore, legends, and ancient mythologies. In many cultural narratives, forests are shrouded in mystery, inhabited by apparitions, witches, and other mystical beings. These entities, portrayed as powerful and independent, exist beyond the confines of societal norms, their presence intertwined with the natural order of the wilderness.
Throughout history, the forest has been a realm that elicits fear, a realm of the unknown and forces beyond human control. With the ascent of imperialism, the exploitation of natural resources intensified, reflecting a fulfillment of greed, power, and ego. The subjugation of jungles and wildernesses is depicted as a conquest over vastness, unruliness, and the mysticism inherent in these sacred spaces.
From the vantage point of a patriarchal state, forests are perceived as liminal spaces—domains inhabited by rebels seeking solace and autonomy. They stand as untamed landscapes challenging the authority and control of the ruling powers. For centuries, Indigenous elders have adhered to a deep understanding of the forests' restorative ethos, a perspective often at odds with the teachings of modern education systems. To them, the forest is not a mere collection of trees; it is a living entity, embodying the spirits of ancestors and serving as a sacred guardian.
In the face of corporate capitalism and geopolitical hegemony, Indigenous peoples navigate nation-states that often undermine their cultural values and interconnectedness with the natural world. This struggle is marked by profound transitions, characterized by loss, change, resistance, and at times, a pervasive sense of hopelessness.
Yet, amid the struggles, there persists a resilient spirit—an unwavering commitment to preserving the sanctity of the land and its spirits. Indigenous communities recognize the forests as repositories of wisdom, resilience, and sacred connection. The struggle is not merely for land or resources; it is a battle to protect the very essence of their identity, rooted in the ancient whispers of the wilderness.
As the world grapples with the consequences of unchecked exploitation, the whispers of the spirits serve as a poignant reminder—an urging to listen, to respect, and to recognize the intrinsic value of these sacred landscapes. In the delicate balance between progress and preservation, the ancient spirits persist, weaving tales that echo through the rustling leaves and flowing rivers—a reminder that the heart of the forest beats with the pulse of ancestral wisdom, urging humanity to tread lightly and embrace the symbiotic dance between nature and culture.
The Way of the Forest converges artistic pathways to reignite the knowledge of interdependence, custodianship, and restorative practices across rainforests, wilderness, mountain cultivations, and riverine wetlands. It beckons towards deschooling—transitioning away from the curriculum of plunder, reckless supremacy, and extinction, urging us to embrace active listening beyond the confines of the human sensorium.
The forest, as a lexicon, encapsulates a wealth of meaning across various languages: Aaranya in Tamil and Sanskrit, denoting a sanctuary; Vana in Sinhala; Bonn, Jongol, and Aranno in Bangla; guṁ in Nepal Bhasa; tēṁ in Tamu—each term conjures distinct states of being, evokes emotions, inspires disparate imagination, and establishes a palpable climate.
In this linguistic tapestry, the myriad names for the forest become vessels of cultural richness, encapsulating the multifaceted essence of these sacred landscapes. The Way of the Forest is an exploration into these linguistic nuances, an endeavor to decode the intricate messages embedded in the very names that communities use to define and understand their natural surroundings.
This convergence of artistic pathways becomes a bridge between diverse cultures and their unique relationships with the forest. Through this journey, we rediscover the profound interconnectedness between humanity and nature—a symbiotic dance that transcends geographical boundaries and linguistic differences.
As we traverse the Way of the Forest, we embark on a collective reawakening—a journey guided by the wisdom of ancient lexicons. The invitation to deschool ourselves is an invitation to break free from the shackles of conventional thinking and to immerse ourselves in the profound teachings that the forest imparts.
The plenitude of meanings encapsulated in the various names for the forest serves as a reminder that the forest is not a monolithic entity; it is a dynamic tapestry woven by diverse cultures, each contributing a unique threat to the grand narrative of ecological harmony. In embracing these linguistic nuances, we unravel the layers of understanding that connect us to the natural world, forging a path toward sustainable coexistence and custodianship.
The Way of the Forest, then, becomes a cultural pilgrimage—a journey towards rekindling a reverence for the land, fostering a sense of responsibility, and nurturing a collective commitment to safeguarding the sanctity of the forests for generations to come.
This marks the eighth edition of Colomboscope, with the 2024 curation led by Hit Man Gurung, Sheelasha Rajbhandari, and Sarker Protick. Serving as the artistic director for this edition is Natasha Ginwala.
Artists showcased their works in the following manner:
Ko Ko Mendo is not just a flower
This plant, intricately linked to the origin of the world, holds significance not only in the rituals of the Tamang community but also as a vital component of traditional medicine. Artist Subas Tamang emphasizes its dual role, stating, "They keep eating Ko Ko Mendo (Oroxylum indicum) when they have a fever."
Mystical rituals of Tamang community Jhankhris(Shaminist) Photo courtesy: Colomboscope 2024
Tamang's artistic endeavors are deeply intertwined with medicinal treatment and healing practices. In times of illness or fever, the Ko Ko Mendo herb plays a crucial role and is administered by Jhankar. Suvas, inspired by the act of procuring this herb from the forest to cure the sick, follows the same path today. Through his artwork, he endeavors to convey and immortalize this connection, bridging the traditional healing practices of the Tamang community with contemporary expressions.
Subas Tamang hails from a lineage of traditional stone carvers, and his ancestral heritage includes a shaman who utilized woodblock prints for medicinal purposes. In his artistic practice, Tamang seamlessly integrates carvings, engravings, diverse printmaking techniques, and oral knowledge to reclaim the often obscured history of the Tamang community.
During the 19th century in Nepal, the Tamang people endured extensive servitude, compelled to provide corvée labor to the state and its representatives. This coerced labor encompassed a range of tasks, including forced and unpaid work in porterage, paper manufacturing, gunpowder production, and fruit farming.
Within Tamang society, plants assume multifaceted roles, serving purposes ranging from nourishment and textile production to rituals and medicine. In his work, Subas Tamang embarks on a journey back to his ancestral lands, delving into Tamang origin stories and exploring the unique relationship this community shares with plant life.
At the heart of his exploration is the 'Tamja' Fern, a term in the Tamang language that transcends its physical existence. For the Tamang community, the Tamja Fern holds profound significance deeply embedded in their cosmology. It is revered as one of the chosen plants emerging as part of the cyclical process of creation. As the Earth undergoes cycles of destruction and rebirth, the Tamja Fern is destined to re-emerge, symbolizing resilience and the cyclical nature of existence.
In unraveling the intricate connections between fauna and Indigenous wisdom, Subas Tamang's work unveils intriguing possibilities for reinterpreting narratives of the past. This exploration transcends conventional reliance on textual and oral records, offering a nuanced and visually compelling perspective on the intertwined relationship between Tamang history, nature, and resilience.
Seeds Have All the Stories
Sunita Maharjan and Sanjeev Maharjan hail from a lineage of farmers deeply rooted in the indigenous traditions of the Kathmandu Valley. Yet, they find themselves navigating a generation in transition, possessing memories of active participation in fieldwork but lacking the skills and space to engage in farming practices. The retirement of Sanjeev's grandparents and Sunita's parents, the last among their kin to pursue farming professionally, marks a pivotal shift in their family's connection to the land.
Through their artistic journey, Sunita and Sanjeev intricately map the evolving relationship with land, farming, heirloom seeds, and the ever-expanding metropolitan space amid Kathmandu's rapid urbanization. Employing visual media, small-scale planting processes, and drawing from their family's seed archive, their work serves as a poignant reflection on the intersection of tradition and modernity.
This artistic exploration raises profound questions about the nature of land, production, growth, and the preservation of traditional practices. Indigenous knowledge, acquired through years of intergenerational instruction, observation, and hands-on practice, is traditionally passed down through the land. However, the seeds stored in their grandparents' homes have evolved into fixtures alongside important documents. Similar to seeds, knowledge requires revitalization and rotation.
Conversations with the last farmers in their families become a pivotal aspect of their work. The artists engage in gathering instructions to repurpose the seeds, expecting these instructions to manifest not just in precise words and measurements but also as gestures and non-linear, relational narratives. Armed with these insights, they embark on the cultivation of these seeds on their rooftop terrace, symbolizing the evolving relationship with space amid the ongoing urbanization of Kathmandu.
This process serves as a gateway for the artists to explore alternative modes of documentation and translation of their families' legacies. By breathing new life into the seeds and their associated narratives, Sunita and Sanjeev strive to bridge the gap between past and present, offering a compelling testament to the resilience of indigenous knowledge in the face of modern challenges.
A tree as a remembrance. A tree to recover. A tree as resistance
A mud wall bears witness to the passage of time, adorned with scratches and etchings that tell tales of pain and loss. Pictures hang solemnly on this earthen canvas, portraying people carrying images of their loved ones—those who vanished during the harrowing armed conflict. Among these haunting visuals, a tin box finds its place, holding within it the silent narratives of the past in the form of carefully folded clothes.
Within the exhibition, these tangible artifacts become symbols etched with the indelible ink of unforgettable events from the war. The scratched mud wall, the poignant pictures, and the modest tin box collectively serve as a stark reminder of the deep scars left by the conflict, urging visitors to engage with the stories of those who endured the tumultuous period. Through these exhibits, the exhibition strives to preserve the memory of the missing and to offer a space for reflection on the enduring impact of historical traumas.
War always brings pain. The present assurance of the bloody past cannot heal that wound. Love, memory, and touch remain perpetually fresh. The armed conflict in Nepal lasted for 10 years, and its wounds are still causing pain. During that time, many innocents lost their lives all over the country and went missing, yet they have not received justice till now.
"Memory, Truth, and Justice" stands as a poignant project dedicated to preserving, recording, and dignifying the memories of survivors and families affected by the armed conflict in Nepal (1996–2006). This series, in particular, focuses on the Tharuhat region in western Nepal, the ancestral home of the indigenous Tharu people. During the conflict, many Tharu individuals rallied behind the cause of the People's Liberation Army, seeking to confront a government and society that had oppressed them for centuries. In response, Tharu majority districts, including Bardiya, witnessed a brutal backlash, with thousands killed, and hundreds forcefully disappeared, raped, tortured, and maimed. The dense forests of the region bore witness to this violence, serving both as a backdrop and refuge for rebel camps.
The significance of local memory in acknowledging experiences and shaping history cannot be overstated. This collection of images, objects, and stories highlights how trees have evolved into active memorial sites in the aftermath of the conflict. Notably, the Kumbhar Adda Memorial Park in Bardiya stands as a testament to the resilience of the Tharu community. Mothers, wives, and family members of those who had disappeared came together, carrying heavy rocks and placing them beneath one of the oldest trees in the community forest. Each rock symbolizes someone they lost, and this communal effort embodies a collective act of remembrance.
As we revisit the efforts to commemorate and honor the victims, "Memory, Truth & Justice" amplifies the voices of those who endured the profound impact of the conflict. This initiative, spearheaded by Voices of Women Media, serves as a powerful conduit for remembrance, ensuring that the narratives of loss, resilience, and the pursuit of justice are not forgotten. Through visual documentation and storytelling, the project becomes a living archive, compelling us to confront the past while honouring the strength of those who continue to seek truth and justice in the face of adversity.
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