What do you think about the beautifully-painted walls across the Kathmandu Valley? While some argue that these artworks are only adding to the city’s visual pollution, others vouch for them being a medium for the artists to voice their opinions.
Tear down these walls, says Lalitpur mayor
Mural arts have been painted in Nepal since ancient times. The only thing that has changed is, now the artists are presenting murals with a modern twist. Instead of walls being a common place for political posters, artists are filling them with mural paintings full of life, hope, messages and colors. These creative and eye catching murals made in public spaces are mostly for a cause or for commemoration.
Moreover, not only national but even international artists are drawn to making the city’s bare and old walls vibrant. The Majipa Lakhey mural at Freak Street tells the story of Laxman Ranjit whose wife Nilu passed away during the April 25, 2015 earthquake in Kasthamandap. It was created by international artist Martin Travers. Similarly, another mural of Goddess Kumari in Thamel was done by Indian artist Nilesh. His art represents Nepal’s culture in a colorful and realistic manner. These are only a few examples as the city currently boasts several such handworks.
