Kathmandu, April 27 – In times of transformation, there lies an understated charm within the current instant—a splendor frequently overlooked. “Here, Now, Us” currently showcased at Outside Studio in Jhamshikhel, unites seven Nepalese artists who individually delve into the essence of being present during these ephemeral yet significant moments. This event runs from April 19 through April 28.
The exhibit presents works by seven modern-day creators—Krishna Kumar Shrestha, Krisha Tamrakar, Krismeen Lama, Mukti Singh Thapa, Niroj Bhandari, Rupesh Man Singh, and Suchin Takachhen Shrestha—who offer distinctive viewpoints regarding today’s transient reality.
Operating across various forms of media and different cultural settings, these artworks delve into concepts like memory, identity, and metamorphosis. Although every artist conveys their own distinct perspective, collectively they create a strong communal conversation that encourages spectators not just to watch, but also to ponder their position in the present moment and space.
Upon entering the studio, visitors are greeted by a striking, large-scale artwork-a piece that, at first glance, may appear chaotic and scribbled, but slowly reveals layers of meaning. Titled part of his ‘Phantasmal Series’, Kailash’s work is a rich tapestry of collaborative voices and national concerns. Phrases like “Be Kind,” support for the LGBTQ+ community, promotion of Nepali products, and a nostalgic nod to the Visit Nepal 2020 campaign are scattered across the canvas, accompanied by flags of various nations, including Nepal and India, symbolising global unity.
In the center looms an assertive figure—perhaps representing a political leader—who commands notice yet raises queries about presence and impact. According to Shrestha, this creation delves into the interplay between communal strength and personal leadership, drawing inspiration from Nepali youths’ perspectives. By incorporating public input, the art becomes a shared endeavor instead of just one person’s vision. “This work,” he adds, “also reflects my dissatisfaction with current problems in our nation. There is a leader who is visible yet inactive; both present and missing simultaneously.”
In this piece, Shrestha not only criticizes but also embraces the function of art as an arena for defiance, contemplation, and shared awareness.
Throughout the showcased artworks, themes of remembrance, bereavement, and metamorphosis surface consistently. Whether through mediums like watercolor, acrylics, and pastels applied onto Lokta paper, photographic images, intricate mandalas, or fine threads, each material acts as an expressive narrator. Certain creations resonate with ceremonial customs, whereas some venture into whimsical, sensory explorations—hair accessories, tangles, and interweavings symbolizing complex connections and self-identity.
Working alongside Artudio, the exhibit hosted at Outside Studio gathers creations that resonate harmoniously with the concept of presence. Certain artworks address our bond with landscapes, heritage, and ancestral recollections, whereas some delve into the intricacies of interpersonal connections and feelings. Ranging from contemplations about self-identity to expressions of emotional depth, every piece provides an individualized and profound insight into the idea of being ‘Present Together’.
Krisha Tamrakar’s contribution to the exhibition is a reflection on the evolving identity of familiar spaces. In her installation-part of her ongoing series ‘Between Colors and Spaces’-she layers traditional brass “gagri” with tangled clusters of plastic hair clips, capturing what she calls “the beauty and complexity of coexistence.” Inspired by a moment in the changing markets of Tangal, Patan, where she grew up, Tamrakar draws attention to the fragile overlap between eras, where nostalgia and transformation meet. “It’s my way of sharing what it feels like to live in that duality,” she explains, “where even something ordinary can suddenly feel profound when seen through a different lens.” She hopes to expand this dialogue by working with a wider range of utensils and imported goods in future iterations of the series.
When asked about her favourite piece at the exhibition, visitor Shreeyanka Thapa pointed to Mukti Singh Thapa’s artwork, calling it “something out of the box.” Known for reviving and reinterpreting the traditional Paubha style, Thapa blends historical iconography with bold contemporary themes. His work, a mandala creation with intricate detailing, challenges societal norms by depicting the coexistence of two genders in harmony. “It shows how these aspects of life are interconnected,” says Shreeyanka. “In a society where topics like sexual identity are often considered taboo, this piece challenges us to see the beauty in this connection.” Thapa’s mandala stands as both a visual and cultural statement, pushing boundaries while staying anchored in tradition.
Thapa’s art confronts societal norms and biases. Among his notable works, one mandala stands out; it illustrates two genders coexisting harmoniously within society, emphasizing their interdependence. This piece also addresses sexual connections—a topic that isn’t strictly forbidden but is frequently sidestepped in public discourse. Through his creations, Thapa underscores the idea that all things are linked, demonstrating how every component supports and fosters another, thereby underlining our universal connectivity.
Niroj Bade, an artist hailing from Bhaktapur, Nepal, finds creative motivation through his background as part of a traditional native agricultural society. His deep-rooted ties to this cultural legacy significantly shape his artistic expressions.
“When I create these paintings, I am not merely depicting vegetables; I am capturing history, memories, and the essence of my community,” remarks Bade about his collection titled ‘We Become What We Grow’. “I employ precise reproductions of our ancestral farmlands as maps. These landscapes carry tales of countless generations who nourished their lives through tilling this earth.” He further notes that the vibrant produce depicted primarily with ink and acrylics on authentic Nepalese Lokta paper symbolize traditions, endurance, and the rich heritage of agricultural societies. “This work serves as a means for me to safeguard what we are losing,” he elucidates, “while also emphasizing the profound bond among land, labor, and personal identity.”
Suchin Takachhen Shrestha explores the emotional journey of loss and longing through his artwork, which portrays three dimensions of a person, each expressing different emotions. The piece reflects his experiences during a residential period, when he and others lived and worked closely, leaving behind their personal lives. He shares that it was during this time he came to realise the sense of loss and the disappointment that comes with not having something we want. Through deep self-exploration, he adds layers of complexity to his inner world, uncovering both melancholic depths and unsettling truths. His work captures the raw essence of mood and emotion, offering a powerful visual dialogue that invites viewers to engage with the fleeting nature of personal experience and the longing for what is unattainable.
‘Here, Now, Us’ is more than an exhibition-it’s a meditation on presence, memory, and meaning. While each artwork speaks through its own language of representation, together they create a shared dialogue of reflection and renewal. In a world that constantly urges us to move faster, this exhibition invites us to pause-to be fully present, to see ourselves in the now, and to consider where we are, who we are, and how we move forward together.
Here, Now, Us
Where: Outside Studio, Jhamshikhel
When: April 19 to April 28
The time frame specified is from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Entry: Free