This work visualizes the transformation of the Kathmandu Valley as described in the Swayambhu Purana after Manjushri drains the primordial lake. The valley is reimagined as a vessel of abundance, where the self arisen flame of Swayambhu speaks to the richness and enduring fascination of our history and origin.

Primeval

The Streets During Dashain — The festive time of Dashain - vendors selling rams and bucks (Chyangra, Khasi, and Boka), offerings, flowers, fruits, Kubindo, Wukhu and so on - transform the streets of Bhaktapur into a vibrant tapestry of communal harmony. The two paintings in the series are a depictions of that time, extracted from my memories of growing up in this city and how it continues on adapting with the changing times.

Street During Dashain - “बा यो खसी कि बोका ?”

Dolpo remains one of the last untouched and uncharted regions of the Himalaya. While it shares certain geographical and cultural echoes with other Himalayan communities of Nepal, its identity stands distinctly apart—rooted in its own language, rituals, oral histories, cuisine, jewelry, and, most visibly, its attire. These elements together have long defined a self-contained cultural world. However, the tides of migration and external influence have begun to reshape this landscape. Where culture once spoke effortlessly as identity, it now often requires explanation. Traditional patterns and textile practices are gradually shifting; handwoven woolen fabrics, once integral to daily life, are increasingly replaced by affordable, imported blends of polyester and cotton. This transition reflects not only economic change but also a subtle erosion of material heritage. In this body of work, I attempt to hold these two realities—the traditional and the contemporary—within a single frame. My paintings seek a quiet balance, where cultural memory coexists with present transformation, without conflict yet not without tension. Through composition and form, I aim to preserve an aesthetic continuity while acknowledging inevitable change. At its core, my practice is an effort to honor and reflect the enduring identity of Dolpo and its way of life.

dolwa

'Age of Grace 'is inspired by 19th century Nepali scroll paintings and the sacred presence of Ushnisavijaya, connected to the ritual of Jyatha Janko in the Kathmandu Valley. Seeing my grandmother complete 77 years, 7 months, 7 days, and 7 minutes felt like witnessing time become sacred. The ritual turns aging into celebration and memory into blessing. Through this work, I reflect on how every phase of life carries dignity, continuity, and its own quiet grace.

age of grace

Under the high midday sun, a farmer pauses from the rhythm of his morning’s labor, a hoe still resting in his hands. Across the terrace, his wife approaches along the familiar path, dressed in the traditional attire of the Newari community. She carries a basket of lunch and a small vessel of homemade liquor — a simple yet cherished custom among Newari farmers, where a sip with lunch offers both rest and strength for the work that follows. The farmer lifts his arm in greeting, a quiet gesture filled with warmth and gratitude. In this small moment between work and rest, the painting reflects the beauty of Nepali rural life — where tradition, companionship, and the dignity of everyday labor meet beneath the open sky.

Results for "narrative art"

Primeval

Street During Dashain - “बा यो खसी कि बोका ?”

dolwa

age of grace

Lunch Time