Exhibition Flag: Past

Echoes of the Highland is a visual meditation on the profound connectionbetween people, nature, and culture in highland communities. Inspired by therhythms of nature and rural life, this body of artworks captures thevanishing identities of those whose stories are deeply rooted in thelandscapes they inhabit. In these remote villages, life flows in harmony withthe seasons; traditions are woven into daily rituals, and nature is not separatefrom existence but central to it. Yet as urbanization spreads and younger generations move away in search ofopportunities, the cultural richness and...

To Build a Shelter is an act of faith, hope and perseverance. One begins with simple tools and materials, laying one brick after another to create a sanctuary for oneself and others. The path of an artist is parallel to this practice, as one layers one’s experiences, perspectives and hopes in order to build stories from mundane materials.The artists in the exhibition embody the notion of a shelter in its spontaneity and its impermanence through stories of home, memory and place. Through diverse mediums ranging from printmaking, ceramics, traditional Paubha painting to embroidery, and...

This exhibition brings together fifteen works that reflect a personal and philosophical journey through sacred imagery, symbolic language, and the dualities we live with, light and dark, form and formlessness, self and something greater. Drawing inspiration from Newar culture and broader Hindu and Buddhist thought, the artist weaves together myth, devotion, and metaphysics. The hyper realistic graphite and charcoal drawings of Himalayan deities aren’t meant as portraits, but as quiet reflections, each one a meditation on divine presence and inner stillness. Many depict divine unions,...

Devis, Dakinis, Khandroma, Khecara, Goddess, Yakshini, Apsara, Gandharva, and Demoness— the embodiment of the elements or enlightened energy—she’s everywhere. She appears familiar, iconic, or mundane depending on your perception. She is fierce, playful, or loving depending on your karmic wind. She can be beautiful or terrifying, volatile and unpredictable. She is a protector, a teacher, a guru, a destroyer of the ego—depending on your stage of realization. The forms of Devis are countless, and they can merge. Emily and Tara met circumambulating the Boudhanath Stupa in 1997. As nomadic...

Takpa Gallery is honored to present ‘Realms and Cemeteries’, the first solo exhibition of master thangka painter Urgen Dorje. The exhibition brings together works navigating the diverse realms and cemeteries within ‘Bhavchakra’, the Buddhist symbol of the wheel of life, wherein the artist inspects and reiterates the stories within these mythical spaces. Painted in a traditional Thangka style, the artist reimagines the realms into individual paintings in order to explore the layered symbols and dynamics within them. Additionally, the show brings together three distinct works from the...

“I am rooted, but I flow” showcases a new series of works exploring the cultural landscape and its associations by young, emerging female artists. It highlights the significance of perspective and action in shaping our life experiences, which are intertwined with our identity, culture, roots, memory, and lifestyle. Through engaging in diverse activities, individuals often discover inspiration, purpose, or joy. This exhibition celebrates art as a dynamic medium for expressing emotions and ideas, utilizing a wide range of materials and techniques.I am rooted, but I flow draws its title from...

Kapil’s artistic journey spans over two decades, dedicated to the intricate exploration of the human form through nude art. His work transcends conventional representations of gender and identity, delving deep into the universal concept of the “self.” Each canvas reflects a profound study of emotions, expressed through bold brush strokes, intricate doodled lines, and a restrained palette. These minimalistic elements evoke raw, unfiltered feelings, making the intangible tangible. A distinctive feature of Kapil’s work is the symbolic depiction of eyes, which serve...

“My Spirits are contemporary characters that represent the collective psyche of the Himalayan region. They are inspired by myths and folklore within the region, but are transformed to embody contemporary perspectives and aspirations of the Himalayan people. They represent the fusion of culture and heritage from the past with global pop culture to create a contemporary portrait of the Himalayan diaspora.”

This exhibition showcases artworks created by the students in both Thangka painting and Contemporary Art classes organized by Himalayan Art Initiative to connect deeply with Nepal’s rich cultural heritage while reflecting on their personal stories. The Initiative also includes residency programs, where selected artists explore their cultural roots, delving into themes such as identity and history. The artworks inspired by these residency programs are also part of this exhibition, highlighting the depth of their artistic exploration. The Himalayan Art Initiative is a non-profit...