Nina Manandhar studied A-Levels in Art & Design, English, Politics and GSCE Photography at Richmond upon Thames College between 1997-1999. She went on to study a Foundation Degree and BA Hons in Fine Art at Chelsea College of Arts before embarking on a career as a photographer, artist and modern day pop-ethnographer. She co-founded youth-led magazine The Cut and the ISYS Archive website and has had her work exhibited at Tate Modern, Exposure Gallery and the Institute of Contemporary Art. Her commercial clients include Dr Martens, Adidas, JD Sports and Nike. She’s released two highly acclaimed photo-books; ‘Money on My Oyster’ in 2013 and ‘What We Wore – A People’s History of British Style’ in 2014. She is also an associate lecturer at the London College of Fashion.
“I came to Richmond upon Thames College with my three best friends as it had an excellent reputation for art and design,” Nina explains. “I particularly enjoyed the photo-book projects in art and design as my teacher was really in tune with contemporary art practice and photography and continually encouraged us all to think creatively and outside of the box. From an early age I was exploring how art, politics and society were linked together and really began to explore ideology and art in depth during my second year. It was the perfect start for what I do today.
“My Photography GCSE was also the first time I’d used an SLR camera and taught me the essential basics of being a photographer such as aperture and shutter speed. I remember one of my old college teachers telling me early on that I had a good eye but I needed to improve technically with the camera. I spent that Christmas with family in Nepal trying out some of the equipment I borrowed from the college and improving as much as I could! It’s something I’ll never forget as it helped make me the photographer I am today.”