Materialized Thoughts

This exhibition brings together Nepali artists living in the United States. The artworks investigate the nuanced realities of diasporic life, living “between” cultures, constantly navigating the differences and similarities between where they are from and where they live now. The collection of works displayed is the materialization of these thoughts, especially the paradoxes of preserving identity amid pressures to conform to dominant cultures and homogeneous practices. Drawing inspiration from everyday life and personal experiences, they reflect the tension between a strong attachment to a culture left behind and the process of assimilating into a new society.

Participating Artists

• Kabi Raj Lama
• Palija Shrestha
• Paramesh Adhikari
• Yuodisthir Maharjan
• Yuvak Tuladhar

About The Arts at CIIS

We in The Arts at CIIS believe that art is essential, that we make change through cultural shifts, and that we cannot build what we haven't yet imagined.

Mission

The Arts at CIIS is a contemporary arts exhibition program that cultivates community engagement and creative and integrative approaches to the urgent challenges facing society today. Through exhibitions, publications, and events featuring emerging and established artists, The Arts at CIIS strives to promote pluralism in the arts, to support artists in the creation of new work, and to foster dynamic and critical dialogues within and across communities.

Desai | Matta Gallery

Our exhibition space at Mission Street was created with the generous support of Helen and Raj Desai and Robert Matta.