Sara Tunich Koinch
NEPAL
Sara Tunich Koinch (Durga Sunuwar) (she/her) was born in Sindhuli, but her family migrated soon after her birth to Dhanusha District of Nepal. With humble beginnings in a home grounded in craftsmanship and care, Sara’s current work focuses on researching her own indigenous identity and cultural heritage, using art as a means to connect with her roots and engage with broader indigenous narratives. Her work seeks to materialize complex subjects and lived experiences, continually expanding her mediums and methodologies in the process. Follow Sara’s work on instagram @sara.koinch
When I started art, there was no hope to keep going because there was no financial stability, but I did it because it felt empowering for me and my community. This award is a motivation and encouragement for me to keep making art that I care about.Sara Tunich Koinch
How is your artistic practice connected to amplifying social movements?
My artistic practice amplifies social movements through collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches rooted in Indigenous knowledge, environmental justice, and gender equity. I am currently researching my family roots in Nepal—specifically their ties to Indigenous culture, the environment, climate change, and gender—through art. One of my ongoing projects involves photo-archiving and storytelling of Indigenous women’s personal histories.
I am also documenting the resistance of the Yakthung Limbu community in Taplejung, eastern Nepal, against a controversial cable car project imposed without community consultation. The project has already caused mass deforestation in protected areas and led to violent state responses against protestors, including shootings and beatings. In solidarity, I joined a group of artists, researchers, and activists to visit the site on September 20, 2024. We conducted workshops, moving exhibitions, performance and installation art as forms of peaceful protest. Alongside artists Sapana Nepali and Manara Prajapati, I performed an art piece that helped energize and unify the community.
In collaboration with PhotoCircle, I curated a photo story exhibition that raised global awareness of the Yakthung Limbu community’s struggle and helped spark dialogue around Indigenous rights and environmental conservation. I am now developing a new photographic series in collaboration with community members to continue supporting the #SaveMukkumlung and #NoCableCar campaigns. This includes photo-archiving solidarity supporters and using calligraphy to inscribe their protest demands directly onto their faces—a living archive of resistance.
What do you hope to achieve through this award?
To be honest, I started my art journey to motivate myself and those around me. When I started art, there was no hope to keep going because there was no financial stability, but I did it because it felt empowering for me and my community. This award is a motivation and encouragement for me to keep making art that I care about.
Featured work
