The Project 1336 is spontaneous, performative, and interactive, much like the city itself. It embodies the spirit of the Kathmandu Valley—alive with energy, yet marked by the struggle and hope that remains after the devastation of the 2015 earthquake. On one hand, the people here live with glory, holding on to their dreams despite ongoing turmoil and uncertainty. On the other, there’s the challenge of rebuilding, of navigating a city that often feels estranged from its own people, yet is home to their
memories, pains, and triumphs.

The project acts as a reflection of this tension—bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds in a communal effort to weave a shared narrative. During the exhibitions, children and youths would jump around the work, playfully interacting with it, embodying the spirit of joy and resilience that permeates the valley.

The Project 1336 was initiated and featured at the Kathmandu Triennale 2017, where it was first showcased to a broader audience. In 2018, it was exhibited at the Taragaon Museum, where more than 400 people participated in a procession that led to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Boudhanath. This procession was a performative act, embodying the communal nature of the project—demonstrating that art is not just a passive experience, but a living, evolving conversation. In 2019, the project was featured in the prestigious 4th Today’s Documents exhibition at the Today Art Museum in Beijing, China, where it resonated with global audiences.

The culmination of Project 1336 took place in 2024 at the historic Patan Durbar Square, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It felt like a natural conclusion, as the project came full circle, connecting the city’s vibrant history with its ongoing transformation. At its core, this project is about creating connections between the people of Kathmandu, between the city and  its visitors, and between past and future. Project 1336 highlights labor migration and serves as a tribute to youth, and communities who continue to build the valley. Through this work, I want to raise awareness about the opportunities that can be created within our own borders, especially for young people who often seek better futures abroad. My goal is to inspire creative energy that can sustain lives and bring emotional justice to a community.

One pivotal moment was on April 9, 2017, when the public procession of Project 1336 took place, from the Nepal Art Council to Maitighar Mandala. Maitighar Mandala, once a space for political agitation, now holds the potential to be reimagined as a place of unity and hope for all. Through playful interaction and vibrant expression, Project 1336 fosters an environment that invites children, youth, and adults to dream together, to reimagine what it means to live in a city, and to embrace the complexities of life in the Kathmandu Valley.