Rojin Napit

ALA: Roots Beneath Red

I belong to the Napit community, the traditional practitioners of ala in Newari culture. Growing up, I watched the women in my family apply this deep red pigment during weddings, coming-of-age ceremonies, and festivals. It was always present, woven into the moments that brought people together. Yet, like many traditions we inherit without question, I never stopped to ask what it truly meant until I realized how easily it could disappear.

The composition places the viewer inside the ritual. Looking down, we see feet marked with “ALA”, a perspective that invites personal participation rather than observation. Between them stands a young girl adorned with braided hair and a red flower. She represents both a younger self and the generations who inherit traditions before fully understanding their significance. Her faceless form allows her to become anyone, a daughter, a mother, or a reflection of the viewer.

The surrounding Newari architecture acts as a guardian of cultural memory, framing the scene with the structures that have witnessed generations of rituals, celebrations, and change. Flowing red lines move through the composition like invisible roots, connecting people, places, and traditions across time. Together, they form a network of belonging that often remains unseen but continues to shape identity.

The limited palette of red, black, and aged beige reflects the essence of the work. Red symbolizes ritual, life, and continuity; black speaks to endurance and craftsmanship; beige evokes memory, history, and the passage of time.

भाव (Bhav)

The poster explores the infinite layers of human emotion through the symbolic language of the eye. In many cultures, the eye represents perception, awareness, intuition, and the silent expression of feelings that words often fail to communicate. This poster transforms the eye into a repeating visual motif, creating a spiraling journey through the emotional landscape of the mind.

The central eye acts as the source of consciousness, while the surrounding eyes radiate outward in varying sizes and forms, symbolizing the countless emotions, memories, and experiences that shape our identity. The deep red background evokes intensity, passion, energy, and vulnerability, reflecting the emotional depth that exists within every individual. The circular composition suggests continuity, illustrating how emotions are interconnected and constantly evolving rather than existing in isolation.

Inspired by traditional ornamental forms and contemporary graphic design, the golden details surrounding each eye represent the value and complexity of emotional experiences. Every eye carries a unique expression, reminding viewers that emotions are multifaceted and personal, yet universally shared.