Living with Goddesses, Catherine Sim (Singapore).
The Kumari is believed to be an incarnation of Taleju, the divine universal-mother goddess. Every few years, a Nepalese girl aged 4-5 years old is chosen from thousands using Hindu elaborate rituals. The new elect takes over the lonely throne, which the old Kumari abdicates upon reaching puberty.

When The Mountains Called, an exhibition by photographers from the international Kathmandu-based masterclass Kathmandu INSIDE:OUT (KIO), opens in Singapore on 11 May 2015. Originally conceived to be an exhibition showcasing works by photographers from Singapore, Nepal, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom who had participated in the masterclass, the exhibition has now taken on a new urgency as a platform to raise awareness and funds for the Nepalese people in the wake of the recent earthquake in Nepal.

When The Mountains Called comprises 28 photo stories about the city of Kathmandu and its people, told through the lens of the photographers. Led by Singaporean photographer Edwin Koo, each year since 2012, KIO gathers photographers of diverse backgrounds. Over eight intensive days, they uncover Kathmandu’s hidden narratives and make images to recount real stories about the Nepalese capital, portraying aspects of the city unseen by the average tourists and even some residents of the city.

The Hideaway, Vikas Nepal (Nepal)
Outside, endless streams of speeding cars and motorcycles zoom by the white walled compound. Tucked away in the urban sprawl of Kathmandu is a park called Dharamsala, where a strange mix of holy men, chess players and monkeys find solace, away from the frenetic pace of the Nepalese capital.

To complement the exhibition, a series of talks and cultural activities have been planned. All photographic prints are for acquisition with proceeds going to Nepalese NGOs including Prisoners Assistance Nepal, Wildlife Conservation Nepal and Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) in aid of the humanitarian effort now underway in Nepal. When The Mountains Called is organised by KIO and the Nepalese Society, with the support of Title Sponsor City Developments Ltd and Venue Sponsor ION Orchard.

More information on www.kathmanduinsideout.com

Venue: ION Station, basement 4, ION Orchard. 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801

When: 11 - 17 May 2015, 10am - 10pm

By: ION Art Gallery