Musings from the lost world of Koshur (Kashmir)

Despite being the most militarized zone in the world, Kashmir staunchly keeps its cultural heritage an deep history. The people here are proud of their history which stretches as far back as the Second Ice Age.

How does one photograph this bewildering splendour? To justify the ethos of the place, hand-painting monochrome images seemed like a good fit for the project. Hand-painted photographs evoke nostalgia, emphasize craftsmanship, and celebrate uniqueness, texture, and human imperfection.

Thus overlaid with a slow deliberate craftsmanship of hand-painting, each photograph allows the audience to connect with the narrative on a personal level, transcending the obvious. Thus we enter a dialogue with the ethos of Kashmir. The project becomes an indicator to the region’s unyielding spirit, where beauty and creativity flourish despite adversity.