Ashmina Ranjit
Ashmina is a founding member and faculty of JFP with pivotal role in advancing creative engagements with non-textual narratives on caste, gender, and sexuality. Embracing the title of ‘Artivist,’ Ashmina’s art serves as a platform for dialogue and dissent, confronting the status quo and subverting stereotypes. Notably, during Nepal’s turbulent civil war, her performances united diverse groups in a common call for peace and democracy, showcasing the transformative power of art in fostering social cohesion. With an impressive academic background, including an MFA from Columbia University in New York City, a BFA from the University of Tasmania in Australia, and degrees from Tribhuvan University in Nepal, Ashmina brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her artistic endeavors. Currently serving as an adjunct Professor in the Center for the Arts at Kathmandu University, her influence transcends borders through international scholarships, awards, residencies, and lectures, highlighting her global impact as an advocate for artistic activism. Her significant impact on Nepalese society has been widely recognized, with institutions like The Kathmandu Post acknowledging her as one of the individuals who shaped Nepal in 2018. Inspired by her deepening critical engagement with caste questions, in January 2024, Ashmina’s performance “Damal” powerfully confronts the intricate layers of the ingrained caste system, raising poignant questions about the notion of unequal citizenship in Nepal. As a faculty member at JFP, she actively contributes to designing and adapting curricula and pedagogies on caste, gender, and sexuality, further solidifying her role as a key leader in the realm of art and activism.