Artist Tsering Phonjo Gurung has organized a solo exhibition of 47 historic paintings in Lomanthang Rural Municipality, Upper Mustang, Nepal. The works depict the 15th-century Lomanthang Palace, caves, monasteries, traditional settlements, and indigenous culture, and are displayed to coincide with the Tiji Festival, aiming to attract domestic and international tourists.
The exhibition matters because it uses visual art to promote Upper Mustang's heritage and attract tourism to a remote region, while also providing a platform for local artists. Gurung, who has been active for over 25 years, sells his works online and holds workshops for locals, helping sustain traditional culture and generate economic opportunities through art.