To the sources
In Nepal, all art is religious. A 2nd-century stone statue, identified as the first Licchavi king, is kept at the Museum of Nepali Arts. The first period of Nepalese art, known as the Licchavi dynasty, ends in 750 and corresponds to the golden age of stone sculpture. The Indian influence, particularly of the Gupta school, is very clear in these works. The models established in the5th and 6th centuries evolved very slowly thereafter. This was followed by the Thakuri period (750-1200), which left no remains prior to the 11th century. This was followed by the great Malla period (1200-1768), rich in figurative creations of astounding stylistic and iconographic mastery. The valley was divided into three kingdoms: Patan, Kathmandu and Bhatgaon.
Newari and Malla
In the Kathmandu valley, the Newari are considered the creators of Nepalese art. They certainly developed a personal style that went beyond the reinterpretation of Indian influences. From the 15th century onwards, there were fruitful exchanges with Tibet.
Mythology has it that Patan, Nepal's historical and cultural center, was founded in the 6th century by King Birdeva. Today, Patan's Museum of Nepali Arts has taken on an educational mission. Its objects and sculptures are presented in such a way as to familiarize visitors with the gods and techniques of Nepalese art. Open to all disciplines, it is conceived as a bridge between past and present.
The Malla dynasty marked the flowering of Nepalese art, particularly in bronze and woodwork. The ornamentation embellishing bas-reliefs, windows and tympanums reached a level of refinement in the 17th and 18th centuries that can be admired at the National Museum of Kathmandu. After that, motifs were repeated without any evolution in their treatment. However, the art of painting, born in the 11th century, flourished during the Shah period. Initially influenced by the Pala School, painting dealt with Buddhist themes. But as in all artistic fields, a specifically Nepalese style began to assert itself. Miniatures illustrate Puranic texts and depict Hindu gods. The National Art Gallery in Bhaktapur features portraits of all the shahs, among other marvels, including the gallery of paintings and thangkas, the traditional art of the Newaris.
Nowadays
The Tasi Lama family, based in Bhaktapur, is one of the few artists to perpetuate the thangka technique. The National Museum's Buddhist Gallery presents a resolutely Nepalese style of art, but has recently opened its Buddhist section. Apart from a 12th-century statue of Vishnu, most of the works are relatively recent. Among the bronze and stone works, there are also a few representations in brass, terracotta, wood and precious metals.
In Patan, the Park Gallery was founded by Rama Nanda Joshi, who also taught at Nepal's first art school. It promotes modern and contemporary art.
Recently, street art has been emerging timidly on city streets. Although not prohibited, painting in public spaces requires the authorization of the wall's owner. Have fun locating the Space Invaders, well known to enthusiasts, that line the streets of Kathmandu. They stand side by side with traditional images that permeate the urban works. Of particular note: Laxman Ranjit's fresco on Lakhey is cherished as a local treasure. On this wall, the artist pays poignant tribute to his wife who disappeared in the 2015 earthquake. Stroll through the Kupondole district to unearth other nuggets.
