From captivating artworks displayed in open-door galleries to creative expressions adorning the streets, the valley is an immersive reflection of its rich heritage. A visual feast for visitors, the art scene offers a diverse experience with striking graffiti and intricate murals vividly carrying the city’s spirit.
With a rich and ancient history dating back to the fourth century A.D., the art scene deeply intertwines with the country’s cultural essence. During the Lichchhavi period, the earliest sculptures reveal a nascent yet vibrant artistic tradition.
The art tradition finds further confirmation in seventh-century Chinese travelogues, noting exquisite wall paintings in Kathmandu Valley, hinting at an even older artistic legacy.
The culture’s tapestry, woven with rituals and festivals, seamlessly integrates various art forms such as sculpture, music, painting, and performance, accentuating art’s intrinsic connection to life here.
The evolution of Nepali art unveils a journey of transformation across epochs. Initially steeped in symbolic and religious motifs, artworks conveyed didactic values through portrayals of youthful figures and mystical themes, mirrored in architectural marvels like pagoda temples and monasteries.
The Rana regime led a shift towards secularism, realism, and Western influences, moving away from religious subjects to portraits of rulers and lifestyles. This era also witnessed architectural adaptations influenced by Western Neoclassical styles.
Post-Rana, the art landscape embraced a plethora of Western art movements — a transition from objective depictions to subjective expressions. Artists explored personal and abstract themes on an introspective journey through art.
The emergence of modern and contemporary arts unfolded with the fusion of cultural, political, and individual expressions. Notable artists such as Bhajuman Chitrakar and Dirghaman Chitrakar journeyed through Europe, engaging with European aesthetics and realism, thereby paving the way for the emergence of modernism.
Then, the fall of the Ranas embraced a new phase of modernism, enforced by formal art institutions and visionary figures like Lain Singh Bangdel. Despite institutional strides, contemporary Nepali art retained its grassroots essence, driven by individual artists’ initiatives, fostering a landscape of experimentation and diverse expressions.
The 1980s witnessed a surge in women artists exploring societal themes and alternative art movements, while private institutions like Siddhartha Art Gallery and Kathmandu Contemporary Arts Centre played pivotal roles in showcasing Nepali art globally.
The art industry functions as a dynamic platform where the value of an artwork is intricately tied to factors such as the time invested in its creation, the complexity of the artistic process, and the artist’s dedication. Hence, the worth of an art piece should also be evaluated by understanding the effort and skill behind it rather than solely focusing on its visual appeal.
Hari Khadka, an executive member of the National Art Council with over five decades of experience in the art industry, notes the significant evolution of the art market over the years. Khadka emphasised the impact of Covid-19 on the art market, highlighting the interconnectedness of markets and the challenges artists face in finding buyers.
Despite incremental progress, artists still struggle due to limited demand. The National Art Council organises annual exhibitions, leveraging tourism growth and the popularity of art galleries among tourists.
Nepali art has traversed various stages, shifting from religious to secular themes, from objective to subjective interpretations, and from representational to abstract forms. Early Nepali painting styles include manuscript illumination, Paubha, mandala, Pata, and wall paintings, while architectural forms encompass pagoda temples, Shikhara-style temples, stupas, and monasteries.
The formal art education is also a recent phenomenon observed in Nepal. Educational institutions like Srijana College of Fine Arts and Kathmandu University School of Arts are enabling students to learn and professionally pursue an art degree. The art scene is evolving and developing.
The nation is presently observing exports of works of art, collectors’ pieces, and antiques of $1,300.5 million – a decrease of $365.3 million (-21.9%) compared to 2021. As of 2022, the exports of works of art were ranked 121st.
The Handicrafts Market is anticipated to experience consistent growth improvements from 2025 to 2029. From 5.37% in 2025, the growth rate steadily ascends to 8.85% in 2029. In the Asia region, it is expected to grow at an annual rate of 7.16% by 2027.
Khadka notes a global demand for traditional Nepali paintings like Thangka and Paubha, especially in countries like China and Bhutan, but also observes a growing interest in modern art due to its relative affordability compared to traditional forms. Khadka stresses the importance of supporting Nepali artists to elevate the recognition and value of Nepali art globally, anticipating a rise in market prices.
The artistic landscape is evolving, showcasing potential in digital art, NFTs, and traditional forms. The fusion of culture and art will add immense vibrancy to the Nepali tapestry.
Sudipa Mahato is a junior editor with Nepal Connect.