Ashmina Lamichhane is a Graphic Designer, specialising in Social Design. Dissecting the role of design and its interactivity with the human experience, she uses design as a medium to share her Nepali heritage and explores ways of understanding the means of individuality and community by learning our history.
Hello Magar is multifaceted learning hub with the aims to re-introduce first-generation Magars living in the UK to their roots; website with in-depth archive of Magar history, cooking pack with Magar dishes along with Trivia cards to play with family. The project came into fruition with Ashmina’s motivations to learn about her Magar heritage and in hopes to create a solution that other Magars would enjoy to keep the culture alive.
The Practice of Chhaupadi in Nepal is a physical interactive publication that highlights the menstruation taboo in rural Western regions of Nepal, banishing women to cowsheds. The design of the book is referenced from Nepali journals and newspapers with the use of Nepali Lokta paper. The french folds have hidden images of Nepali women in their cowsheds that can be ripped open to reveal the full-bleed image.
Politics of Design is an A1 poster that highlights the lack of ethnic diversity in the design industry; 87% of UK Designers being white and the remaining people of colour. Ashmina is a woman of colour going into the industry, with concerns about her prospects, this project is pushed to question the industry.
Ashmina’s Dissertation Publication title is ‘Investigate how Japan has used hard and soft power to gain strength as a country, and how it affected its relations with the West. Published in the form of a physical printed book, taken inspiration from traditional Japanese book design.
I take pride in indulging in my heritage and culture through my design practice. Navigating the journey of reconnecting with my ethnic roots, I am intrigued with social design and how it affects people.