"Urgent photography exhibit curated by Nepal Point Collective, documenting the single biggest movement of unrest since the Nepalese Civil War. Displaying on-the-ground phone footage from 2025's headline-grabbing Gen Z anti-corruption protests, Error 404 attempts to situate the movement in the wider history of a country reaching its political boiling point."
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A event on Wednesday 27th May. The event starts at 18:00.
The children of Nepal’s political elite were never shy. Across social media, they flaunted jewels, cars and other cliched symbols of wealth. Anger grew among the country’s youth, many of whom face uncertain futures in a nation where economic migration is often a necessity. The hashtag #nepobaby began circulating online, used to call out the corruption that appeared to underpin such scenes of opulence.
On 4th September 2025, the government imposed a ban on social media, citing the failure of tech companies to comply with national legislation designed to curb misinformation. Yet many saw the ban as an attempt to curtail public discussions of corruption and inequality.
Young people took to the streets in defiance of the censorship imposed upon them. The atmosphere was tense but also charged with hope, until shots rang out. Outside the country’s parliament building, police opened fire on unarmed protestors, ultimately killing 22, several still wearing school or college uniforms.
The killings sparked widespread anger, leading to attacks on state buildings. Amid the violence, the social media ban was lifted and the prime minister was forced to resign. Despite fear and grief, young people began organising clean-up efforts, helping to rebuild damaged public spaces. Although the protests left profound social and emotional scars, they also planted seeds for a more transparent, accountable and democratic Nepal.
After the protests had ended, Nepal Point Collective issued a public callout inviting young people to submit their photographs and help create a social archive of the events. Twenty-eight participants contributed images, many taken on mobile phones, capturing what they witnessed as events unfolded. Far from neutral, these photographs were made by those in the midst of the protests, immersed in the action as it happened. We will present these images in an exhibition alongside a selection of texts exploring the significance of this historic moment in Nepal’s history.
EXHIBITION OPENING:
Join us from 6pm. There will be music, drinks and a tour of the exhibition (6.30pm). This event is free and all are welcome to attend. However, please reserve a free ticket via headfirst.
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If you have any specific access requirements, please contact [email protected]
Entry requirements: no age restrictions
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