This summer I had the chance to spend my J-Term in Prague, Czech Republic, and I kept finding myself drawn to the Vltava River. It flows from north to south right through the center of the city and is visible almost everywhere you go. Growing up near a famous lake in Nepal, I’ve always felt a special connection to water, so the Vltava immediately felt familiar.
I’ve long believed that rivers and lakes quietly collect memories of people, nature, culture, and whole civilizations as if they’re absorbing the life around them. Walking along the Vltava, I sensed that same deep, layered history. As I learned more, I discovered just how central the river has been to Prague’s story.
In this artwork, I tried to capture impressions I had in Prague. The colorful houses painted in shades I noticed all around Prague represent the charming, almost storybook homes seen throughout much of Europe. They bring in the vibrant palette I remember from my time there. The flowing text woven through the piece symbolizes the countless memories and stories the Vltava carries, and, more broadly, the memories held by all great water bodies.
My work