Within Narrow Walls

Lisara Thapa Magar, Nepal

All my life, I have lived in a house that feels too crowded. There is no room here for me, or my feelings. I constantly feel submerged underwater – disoriented and struggling to breathe.

I have grown accustomed to retreating into a shell. Yet time and time again, my efforts to shield myself from the overwhelming noises and presences feel futile.

But in the rare moments when I find myself alone, I feel safe enough to come out of my shell, safe enough to just be, wrapped in my own arms.

I feel safe enough to nurture myself. In my solitude, I bloom.

I feel safe enough to face my feelings and emotions. My heart feels light; it glows in my solitude.

I feel like I can finally breathe a little, rising to the surface of the water I am otherwise always submerged in.

Lisara Thapa Magar, based in Kathmandu, Nepal, has always been drawn to creative outlets like poetry, drawing and painting, but often found it challenging to translate visions onto paper. Her love for photography began with the discovery of a grandfather’s analog camera. Even without film, hours were spent looking through the viewfinder and pressing the shutter button, imagining the images that could be created.

Today, film photography is a hobby, capturing real moments with the same enthusiasm. The inspiration to join the Safe Photography Project stems from a desire to evoke the same emotions experienced when viewing works by favourite photographers. The goal is to visually contribute to a cause close to the heart, raising awareness about the importance of children and young people feeling safe on their own terms.