DEITIES of NEPAL II was a premier thematic exhibition created as a sequel to our mega exhibition Deities of Nepal I (Oct – Nov 2022). Organized by Nepal Art Council and Nepal Handicraft Associations of Nepal, this exhibition showcased various Nepali artist’s creations of gods and their abodes. This exhibition was made up of folk, tradition, and contemporary artworks and sculptures from all over the country.
Nepal’s unique religious syncretism was represented throughout the exhibition. Religion and religious philosophy have affected art through centuries. With artists in Nepal affected greatly by their culture and heritage, this theme helped encapsulate the works of most artists and artisans in Nepal.
The curators ideated a unique spiritual experience for the visitors, walking into a divine realm where they are teleported to various sites and under the spiritual stimulus of the gods and goddesses displayed. This exhibition also had an immersive experience where visitors could feel as though they were a part of the painting; the first of its kind in Nepal.
The exhibition highlights how artists have been preserving longstanding traditions through folk art, artists shifting their artistic expression to more contemporary styles while still representing the wealth of imagery within Hinduism and Buddhism, and the importance of connecting with Nepal’s heritage through an artistic platform. Though stylistic presentations may differ, the artworks selected wove a tapestry of a greater understanding of shared philosophical and religious beliefs.