By Martin Travers

website: https://martintravers.com
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martintravers71/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/martin.travers.39

I am writing to inquire whether it would be possible to present my artwork as part of the International Conference on Newah (Newar) Cultural Heritage at SOAS. While I understand that the call is for papers, I believe my research-driven painting project, Transition in Tradition, could offer a visually compelling perspective on the themes of heritage-making, adaptation, and continuity in Newar artistic traditions.

My project was the focus of my master’s in fine art degree, which I recently completed, and
was exhibited at Patan Museum in Kathmandu. Transition in Tradition is a series of paintings
that explore the impact of urbanization and development on Newar traditional art practices,
particularly in the Kathmandu Valley. The works respond to the challenges faced by artisans
and communities in preserving and adapting cultural heritage while negotiating the pressures of modernization. A key focus of my research has been the evolving role of artists
in heritage preservation—how contemporary practitioners engage with traditional forms
while navigating economic and social change.

Given the conference’s themes, particularly those concerning documentation and research
in Newar culture, performative arts, and the politics of heritage, I believe an artistic
presentation would provide an alternative but equally meaningful contribution to the
discourse. If there is any possibility to present the artwork—whether as a visual
presentation, an exhibition component, or in another format—I would be eager to discuss
how it could fit within the conference framework.

I would greatly appreciate your thoughts on whether this could be accommodated, and I am
happy to provide further details on my work if needed.