Serena Chopra unveils a wonderful exhibition in black and white–one which gives an intimate and evocative insight into the lives of Bhutanese people as they both embrace modernity and preserve their culture, something that few countries have done successfully as they raced into the 21st century. A few highlights include photos of sacred prayers at a Buddhist nunnery, and others depicting rituals special to the Bhutanese. But the most important ones, she said, are pictures that are of daily life of a deeply spiritual society. "Their innocence simplicity and warmth is all-pervasive. It touches you in many ways" said Chopra. Sundaram Tagore, director of the gallery, says "Serena possesses a keen understanding of the people of Bhutan, who are at an incredible crossroads in history–attempting to modernize but to do so on their own terms and retain what is special about their society. They want to become what other rapidly modernizing societies have not become–which is that they have often lost their spirituality in a desire for the modern."
Tagore adds that: "Serena's work shows an artistic sophistication that few photographers have, and we are honored to share her work with the public of New York City, who will appreciate Serena's artistic sensibilities and the subject matter."
This very special exhibition comes to the public at a critical juncture in Bhutan's history. In 2007, the country will have 100 years of monarchy. More significantly, the year after that, in 2008, the monarch King Jigme Sinye Wangchuck has decided to voluntarily abdicate the throne to his son, the crown prince of Bhutan. That year will also witness the landmark event of Bhutan's transition into a parliamentary democracy. Chopra's exhibit will subtly reflect some of the most interesting aspects of Bhutanese society, with its emphasis on "gross national happiness," which King Jigme Singye Wangchuck has created. This idea is not some vague feel-good dogma for meditation but is a serious attempt to ensure government policies reached beyond the usual concerns for financial growth. Each citizen must be ensured general wellbeing and happiness. The concept is being taken up worldwide, especially in Canada, which has introduced gross national happiness in the form of a quarterly index timed to match the four seasons. It is interesting to see how the country is coping with modernity, especially since it does possess natural resources. The country has millions of dollars of hydropower and exports mandarins and Himalayan potatoes. Talented photographers such as Chopra are able to capture life's subtleties, and this is evidenced in her perceptive work, which addresses the numerous complexities, complications and myriad decisions that will make a society grow or decline.
Serena Chopra's exhibition opening will be accompanied by a book launch published by Photoink. Her Majesty Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wanchuk has written a personal foreword for the book. The exhibition will also travel to Thimpu in Bhutan, and open there on September 6, 2007. It will then travel to New Delhi in India, and be on exhibit at Photoink Gallery from November 6 to November 26, 2007.
