The guardian lions are a common sight in my hometown of Kathmandu and are a part of my cultural heritage. These majestic creatures, believed to have mystical protective powers, are installed at entrances of temples, palaces, and monasteries to ward off evil and nonbelievers. The Guardian Lion Dogs draw inspiration from my family dogs, Zinc and Kaolin, the custodians and protectors of our home, that bring a sense of comfort and reassurance to my family. The lion-dogs have three eyes, representing their higher sense of consciousness, and the pair work in harmony to create a space that is safe, protected, and filled with positive energy.

In a playful twist, I reimagined Ganesha’s trusty vehicle, the rat, as an Uber, humorously suggesting that even a divine being might require modern conveniences. In dialogue with Uber Rat is the Rubin’s sculpture of Ganesha shown dancing above. With a nod to sustainability, Uber Rat is conceived as a hybrid between a car and a rat/mouse/shrew, much like the hybrid technology that infuses our modern luxury driving experiences. Inspired by Uber drivers in New York City who multitask with headphones, talking with someone while simultaneously using GPS navigation and even trading stocks. It is intriguing to see how technology has transformed culture; even when we are en route to a destination, we seek to accomplish many things at once.