Another Bhutan - Kara Fox Journalist + Photographer

Another Bhutan is a project aimed to highlight the country's juxtaposition of traditional life against its modern development through the eyes of its young people.

The purpose of the project is to provide a platform to show the paradoxical nature of development in the small Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. The project will marry images of traditional Bhutanese life, often imagined by foreigners through the government’s ecotourism policy, against the reality of a country that is rapidly modernizing.

I had first noticed the cultural implications of economic development onto the country’s national psyche during my time living in mountainous nation from 2011-2013. Towards the end of my stay, I began to photograph young people with this idea in mind. The distinctions between traditional and modern began to blur as I started exploring the hybrid identities of the Bhutanese. I plan to return to Bhutan to continue this project as a multimedia interactive piece.

This continuing project will examine the impact of global integration (culturally, economically, virtually) and will ask: is Bhutan’s emerging capital of culture erasing, changing or redefining indigenous traditions?

Phuntsho Wangdi, aka “DJ Pee,” is a straight-edge, buddhist deejay. He laments that his current weight holds him back from fully prostrating during pilgrimages. DJ Pee recalls his first night working at Thimphu’s biggest disco, “Space 34,” in 2008 as a “shaky experience,” spinning a mashup of house, hip-hop, and R&B.

Left: At Thimphu’s Memorial Chorten; Right: Behind the turntables at Space 34

Ugyen Chomo has just completed building a Bhutanese spa. When she is not negotiating with contractors, she can be found at the cinema or posting new photos on facebook wearing large sunglasses. She is a vegetarian and always looking for ways to reinvent lentil soup.

Left: In her backyard, Paro; Right: In front of Paro’s cinema hall

Sonam Pelden is a journalist. She has traveled to the Maldives to cover the SAARC summit, but the closest she got to swimming was a dip in the hotel’s pool. She has interviewed Bhutan’s 5th King and drinks anywhere from 5-10 cups of coffee a day. White and without sugar.

Left: At Changangkha Lhakhang, Thimphu; Right: Inside “The Zone,” a favorite restaurant amongst ex-pats and journalists

Tashi Tshering loves NBA basketball, Thai food, and dancing to loud music.

Left: At Tachogang Temple, Chuzom: Right: Warming up at Paro’s basketball court