Exploring Indoor Air Pollution through Art in Southern Nepal 

What did the project involve? 

Women do most of the cooking in rural communities such as those in the Terai district in Southern Nepal and are therefore exposed to the most household air pollution. This study used art as a method to engage local women in discussion of how air pollution from cooking affects their lives. Focus group discussion with local women and artists were carried out weekly for 4 months. The discussions were used to create images with the artists, inspired by Mithila – a local art method that was practiced and understood by the community. The paintings were displayed in places where people gathered to encourage reflection. 

Watch a short film about the process below:

Art methods as a valuable asset to enhancing participatory research 

Combining art with qualitative research techniques seemed to provide a deeper understanding of the participants perspectives. This allowed the researchers to gain invaluable insight into the issues at hand, and provided vital guidance for future research.

Read the research paper here, published in Environmental Research and Public Health. Below are some of the art pieces that were produced through the focus group discussions. 

Potential solutions to reduce air pollution 

The effect of air pollution on the eyes and lungs