Research tells us that nine million people die in the world each year because of pollution. The dirt, dust and smoke of Kathmandu causes respiratory problems, asthma and other diseases. Pollution has changed the lifestyles of Kathmandu residents; from people in the streets to motorcyclists to public bus riders, from children to the elderly, we have begun to use masks.
This solution of wearing masks, both as compulsion and fashion, grabs my attention. Personally, I find wearing mask uncomfortable. A question always run through my mind: “Although it is advantageous, will this temporary and easy solution actually solve the problems of pollution?”
This work involves portraits of 100 people from different age groups, ethnicities, work backgrounds and geographical locations who are living permanently or temporarily in Kathmandu. It asks the question: Why do people use masks? How do they feel when they wear one?
