ABSTRACT

First published in 2002. Following twenty-five years in the Himalayas tirelessly documenting different forms of vernacular architecture and different local customs and beliefs as reflected in material objects, this book is the result. The arrangement of the works selected for the present show and for the accompanying catalogue is by region in a rough chronological order. The plates within carry inscribed a local traditional universe, for the better understanding of which the expert remarks have been added.

chapter |18 pages

Painter of Places

Vernacular architecture as text and vision

chapter |13 pages

Imaginary Documentation

Remarks on approaches to architectural documentation

chapter |10 pages

Fact and Fiction

Beyond the limits of objective documentation

chapter |8 pages

Robert Powell's Images of Ladakh

Objects of contemplation and education

chapter |7 pages

The Hand of the Artist and the Hand of the Builder

Robert Powell's drawings in Ladakh

chapter |8 pages

Art without Artists

Robert Powell's Mustang Collection

chapter |14 pages

The Curious Mosque of Gabral Jaba, Swat-Kohistan

Reading the drawings of Robert Powell

chapter |33 pages

Drawing or Photograph

Questions on ethnographic illustration