Previously exhibited at the MainLine Theater, Nepal & India documented a 10-week journey across both countries
In Nepal & India, photographers David Dworkind and Matthew Hood transport the viewer to India and Nepal through vivid pictures that act as windows, peeking into two distinct and culturally rich countries. Their works present a wide spectrum of different tableaus, from a blanket of stars lighting up a silent and dark hillside to a wide-eyed little girl, fascinated by the camera lens pointing at her.
Dworkind and Hood’s exhibition, which was presented at the MainLine Theater from March 30 to April 3, featured over two dozen photographs captured during their 10-week trek and marked the anniversary of the start of their trip in April 2015.
“We hoped people would get a sense of the diversity of people and landscapes that are found in both of these countries, as well as a feeling of the daily life seen through a collection of candid moments,” said Hood.
The photos on display were split between intimate, striking portraits of people and sweeping countrysides. Both genres gave the audience a sense of Nepalese and Indian life and culture, as well as the natural and urban geography of both countries. Mountains jut over clouds, contrasting with deep valleys and ridges. A woman in an orange sari, bathed in misty morning light, balances on a railroad track stretching as far as the eye can see. The composition of each piece offers a visually pleasing mix of vivid colours, contrast and intriguing depth of field that grabs and pulls the eye in to analyze each piece, learning a little bit more about Nepal and India in the process.
Reminiscing about the trip, Dworkind noted how in India “all senses are at 110 per cent.” The sights, sounds and bustling activity happening everywhere at once gave ample opportunity to capture snapshots of daily life.
“Life happens in the street. Everywhere you look is picturesque,” said Dworkind.
In addition to bringing a small taste of Nepal and India back home, Hood and Dworkind donated 10 per cent of the proceeds from print sales to Nepal Communitere, a non-profit organization that was founded in response to the devastating 7.8M earthquake that struck on April 25, 2015. Their approach focuses on providing the resources and tools required to empower local communities to take active roles in the renewal of their own community. They give the means and resources needed to spearhead innovative solutions and become self-reliant. Having been in Nepal during the earthquake last year, Hood and Dworking were able to feel the ground shake despite being 400 km away from the epicenter.
The strongest pieces in the exhibition are the various portraits that are displayed, featuring women, men and children of all ages and backgrounds. Some look straight into the camera through to the viewer, while others were caught in the middle of an act or gesture, such as throwing a fishing net into water or taking a morning dip in the Ganges River. The works in Nepal & India are reminiscent of a World Press exhibition, with each piece telling the story of a location or individual through photography.
The exhibition ended on April 3rd, but many of the photos can be viewed at hoodvisuals.com/nepal-india
