This is a project I worked in 2005 while working as a conservator in Bhutan. The photographs were taken using a 35 mm camera loaded with different speeds
of black and white film rolls. These photos were among my first experiments on movement.
Cham dances, an integral part of Bhutanese religious and cultural traditions, are captivating performances that hold deep spiritual significance. Rooted in
Vajrayana Buddhism, these sacred dances are often performed by monks during religious festivals and rituals. Each dance is a meticulous choreography,
combining intricate movements, vibrant costumes, and elaborate masks that symbolize various deities, demons, and spiritual entities.
The Cham dances serve both as a form of meditation and a means of transmitting Buddhist teachings. The precise gestures and symbolic elements in the
dances convey profound spiritual messages, offering a visual representation of the eternal struggle between good and evil, as well as the triumph of
compassion over adversity.
Participating in or witnessing a Cham dance is considered a profound spiritual experience, believed to cleanse the surroundings and bestow blessings upon
the spectators. The rhythmic drumbeats, haunting chants, and mesmerizing movements create an immersive atmosphere that transcends the physical
realm, inviting participants and observers to connect with the divine.
