Ki Ki So So Lhargyalo

In Ki Ki So So Lhar Gyalo, I explore the intricate relationship between the Ladakhi community and its rapidly changing environment. This project delves into Ladakh’s unique position in the far north of India, a land of rich Tibetan Buddhist tradition and cultural diversity, facing modern challenges of military expansion, policy shifts, tourism, and urbanization since the Sino-Indian War in 1962. These forces have introduced globalization, profoundly reshaping the lives of its people, notably the Changpa nomads, as they confront climate change and geopolitical tensions that threaten their way of life.

Drawing from my personal history of surviving a devastating flood in Wenzhou, China, in 1994, I’m motivated to showcase the sustainable practices of Ladakh’s communities amid environmental challenges. The project captures the disappearing glaciers and fading cultural practices as metaphors for the delicate balance between nature and culture, while also highlighting sparks of hope like the innovative IceStupa project combating water scarcity. The imposing Himalayan landscape of Ladakh, now undergoing extensive transformation due to human activity, impels me to capture its vanishing beauty before it’s irreversibly altered.

Furthermore, the narrative of Ladakh is woven with stories of the overlooked: seasonal workers from Nepal building roads under harsh conditions, stray dogs surviving on scraps, and long-haul truck drivers who battle the elements and rough terrain while transporting crucial supplies. This project aims to shine a light on these vital yet unseen contributors to Ladakh’s evolving landscape.

Ki Ki So So Lhar Gyalo, a Tibetan phrase symbolizing both a battle cry and a call to triumph, reflects not only the struggle against environmental challenges but also my journey of capturing the indomitable spirit of Ladakhi people. Despite increasing hardships, their harmonious coexistence with nature showcases their profound wisdom and adaptability. My intimate bond with Ladakh enables me to weave personal narratives with the broader cultural, societal, and historical context, focusing on human-environment interactions and the search for resilience and care in the face of adversity.

The project, funded by Stichting Oog op de Natuur in 2021, was initiated in 2023, spans several years, and is set for completion in 2026. Structured in phases, it allows for a progressive deepening of my understanding of the region and for building stronger connections with the Ladakhi community.