Sikkim

Sikkim is a series of photos of young skateboarders in northeast India
around the Himalayas. I first met the kids on the rooftop of a popular market building. It was packed with a diverse group of people: masala chai ladies, homeless people, and those hanging out after shopping. However the kids seemed oblivious to all the distractions I could see; they were completely absorbed in skating. As I got to know the kids, I began documenting their days on the terrace and, I was welcomed in as a friend. In the beginning, the relationship was more about the boys trying to impress me with their skate skills and how good they are, the more time we spent together, however, the more I was into their personal life moment such as Purba helping his mum in her restaurant, spending time with family, or sneaking cigarettes. Each of them invited me to their houses daily, and I started spending time with their families. Sometimes we went to their secret hidden place in the middle of the mountain to hang out. In this series, I wanted to show an evolution of intimacy with the kids. I wanted the audience to follow the path as I got to know them and got close to them, as the series of a journey.