These walls, otherwise a platform for people to scribble political slogans and various irresolvable issues, have become something welcoming for people of all ages. Children and adult passing by the areas like Kupondole and Gongabu Bus Park look at these portraits with admiration. The smiling faces of the Nepali icons are definitely heart-warming. Singer Narayan Gopal, CNN Hero Pushpa Basnet, writer Jhamak Kumari Ghimire, poet Laxmi Prasad Devkota, Maha Jodi (Madan Krishn Shrestha and Hari Bansha Acharya), taekwondo player Sangina Vaidya, poet and historian Satya Mohan Joshi, social worker Binod Shahi, ‘The Cleaner of Nepal’ Laxman Singh Khadka and Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, the first Nepali woman to summit Mount Everest are the personalities whose portraits have been created thus far on the walls of various public places in the capital.
Photo Courtesy: ArtLab
Titled ‘Prasad Project’, the venture has not only become a medium to cherish these personalities’ achievements and contributions to the country, but also one of many other examples to prove that Nepal is slowly turning into a platform for young minds to explore and express their creativity.
The Prasad Project’s portraits have been prepared using various techniques. The posters of the portraits have been created digitally or manually, and stencils have also been used for creating them. Along with these portraits, the project also has incorporated graffiti, scribbling inspirational words on the walls in artistic ways.
Aditya Aryal aka Sadhu-X, Shraddha Shrestha with the tag ‘Deadline’, Anish Bajracharya aka 2012, Shreezan Shrestha aka SZN, Kiran Maharjan with the tag ‘H11235’ and the Graffiti writer Sneha Shrestha aka ‘Imagine’ are the creative minds of the team.
Sharing about the main idea behind the project, Aditya, the Creative Head at Artlab says, “We wanted to do something that would inspire the youths to bring about desired changes instead of just complaining. As artists, we decided to use art as the medium to do so. By exhibiting the portraits of our very own Nepali heroes, we are not only honoring them, but also presenting art in a different light, in an effort to help change the way people perceive it. .” He says that although the idea came to them long time back, they implemented it only in April.
‘Prasad’ meaning a sweet offering, the project aims to be a lovable present to the residents of the city, Aditya informs.
While the onlookers have been very impressed with the project, the artists too are really happy and excited about it. After all, they got to choose their own inspiring personalities to make the portraits of.
Shreezan, the man behind the portrait of writer Jhamak Kumari Ghimire, shares, “She struggled so much in her life to establish herself as a well known writer, and even won the prestigious Madan Puraskar. Despite being differently-abled, her zeal for life is inspirational.”
Also, they have learnt a lot from the project and wish to share that with the viewers too. “I have used a lot of local materials for the art. And through this, I want to convey the messages to everyone that we can create so many beautiful things using the resources available in Nepal, ” shares Kiran. Similarly, for Shreezan, the experimentation they got to do with their art has been the best part of the project.
Likewise, the grafitti you get to see around the city have garnered equal attention. It might take a little time and focus to understand the words, but once you do, the messages they’re trying to convey will make you contemplate for a while. Sneha, with experiences of working as a contemporary artist in Boston shares that she’s very happy to introduce Graffiti in Nepal. She feels that people should be original and since young children have time on hands, they should learn the various ways in which they can give an outlet to their creativity.
And if you wish to see all the works of the Prasad Project under one roof, head towards Tings Tea Lounge, Lazimpat. The artistic works are on exhibition there since August 30. The personalities, whose portraits have been made, have also visited the gallery, and have expressed their delight at the honor.
Is that the end of Prasad Project?
“This is just the beginning. We want to continue the project and incorporate more artists who would like to be involved,” shares Aditya.
They also have plans to expand the project outside Kathmandu where more and more people will get to see the art works. Likewise, they want to train interested youths by providing the necessary assistance and art materials.
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