Hari Prasad Sharma’s artworks on display

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, June 2: An art exhibition ‘Nepal Down the Ages: Glimpses of Nepali History, Culture, and Lifestyles in Paintings’, featuring the works of veteran artist Hari Prasad Sharma, is currently underway at Nepal Art Council.

Inaugurated on May 23 by Raguji Panta, Minister for Education, Science, and Technology, the exhibition was initially scheduled to run until May 31. However, due to overwhelming public interest and a steady flow of art enthusiasts, the exhibition has been extended, confirmed Professor Bishnu Prasad Sharma, the artist’s son.

In the exhibition, 60 remarkable artworks created by Hari Prasad Sharma between 1979 BS and 2025 are showcased. 

Born in 1937 into a traditional Brahmin family within Kathmandu’s Newar community, Sharma had no formal training in art. Nevertheless, his work vividly captures Nepal’s historical events, cultural essence, and everyday lifestyles with meticulous attention to detail.

Sharma primarily painted with oil on large canvases, a deliberate choice that allowed him to lay details gradually and achieve rich textures. His grand compositions often depict historical events involving hundreds of figures and complex activities, demanding both artistic skill and historical understanding.

Renowned for his historical themes, Sharma approached each painting with dedication and rigorous research. Before starting a piece, he would frequently consult historians to ensure historical authenticity, according to his son.

One of his most acclaimed works portrays Emperor Ashoka’s pilgrimage to Lumbini. Sharma spent four years researching the event, ultimately capturing the moment Ashoka paid homage to the Buddha and marked the site by erecting the Ashoka Pillar. 

The painting brings this pivotal episode to life with depth and artistry.

Another significant piece illustrates Lichchhavi King Manadeva accompanied by his main queen Bhogini, other queens, and courtiers as they participate in the ceremonial installation of a stone pedestal. Sharma’s attention to historical attire, customs, and settings adds vivid realism and cultural nuance to the composition.

Each painting in the exhibition serves as a visual portal into Nepal’s past, offering viewers a layered narrative where history, culture, and imagination intertwine.

The exhibition continues until Wednesday at the Nepal Art Council.