There are individuals who recall Jimmy Thapa as the person who would ride atop a majestic white horse. Born in 1947, this man witnessed a significant influx of Hippies flocking to Nepal during his teenage years. Nepal was often referred to as a Himalayan Shangri-La, where the free-spirited foreigners indulged in the unrestricted consumption of marijuana. For many of these visitors, relishing in hashish and exploring the mystical lands was the ultimate adventure. However, Jimmy Thapa, an artist who fancied himself a spiritual seeker, preferred to wander through various regions of Nepal on foot. His spiritual odyssey extended beyond Nepal, as he embarked on journeys through India and Tibet as well.
Driven by his unwavering spiritual quest, Jimmy Thapa embarked on numerous journeys to India, where he eagerly absorbed profound wisdom. He traversed through various places, ceaselessly seeking spiritual enlightenment. During one such pilgrimage to the sacred Ganges River, he found himself meditating on its tranquil banks. As he delved deeper into his meditation, an extraordinary sight unfolded before him—the water seemed to part, revealing the Devanagari-scripted name “GANGA.” This wondrous experience left an indelible impression on him. Astonishingly, the name “GANGA” remained visible for the duration of two hours, until he completed his painting capturing the scene. Once the artwork was finished, the name vanished, further fueling his curiosity to explore the “Water element” more profoundly.
Motivated by this experience, Jimmy Thapa embarked on a remarkable pursuit to trace the origins of the Ganges. Through his investigations, he discovered that the sacred river had its source in the revered Mount Kailasha, with the ethereal Manasarovar nestled at its base. This revelation inspired him to undertake a captivating journey to the very birthplace of the Ganges, immersing himself in the awe-inspiring landscapes along the way.
Over time, Jimmy Thapa delved deep into the profound study of the five elements, which are considered the primary sources of energy and the fundamental composition of every human being, as elucidated in Eastern philosophy. In the year 1986, fortune smiled upon him as he had the privilege to witness the grand spectacle of the ‘Maha Kumbha Mela,’ a massive gathering that takes place every 12 years. This congregation brings together countless Hindu saints from various walks of life, each having devoted themselves to different forms of meditation over extended periods.
Among the esteemed Siddhas he encountered during the event, one particularly intrigued Jimmy Thapa—the Churi-Wala baba, a saint who adorned iron bangles. The artist and seeker found his meditation practice to be peculiar. This saint would elevate one hand above his head while engaging in deep contemplation. Jimmy Thapa reflects on the profound nature of this act, remarking, “‘Keeping the hand above the head is a penance in itself. If maintained for 1-2 hours, unimaginable pain ensues, and the hand becomes numb, ceasing to perceive any sensation. Imagine someone enduring such rigorous penance.”
Through encounters like these, Jimmy Thapa’s spiritual journey continued to unfold, offering him unique insights into diverse practices and teachings that expanded his understanding of the human experience.
During his journey to the Ganges, an inexplicable impulse compelled Jimmy Thapa to venture even further to the river’s very source. Resolutely, he embarked on an arduous foot journey, braving the challenges that lay ahead. In his artistic endeavors, he often depicted natural landscapes in a miniature form, capturing their essence within his paintings. To infuse an added sense of vitality, he incorporated water from the very river he was portraying, lending an authentic touch to his creations.
The tools of his craft were equally unique. Jimmy Thapa wielded a specially crafted pen, uniquely made to suit his artistic style. Most of his paintings found their home on Nepali paper, renowned for its distinctive texture. The rough surface of the paper surprised many observers, who marveled at his ability to create such intricate artworks on this traditionally handmade medium. In response to their astonishment, the artist humbly proclaimed, “Anyone can create on smooth paper, but to master a rough surface requires unwavering attention and can only be accomplished by the skilled hands of Nepali artisans.”
From an early age, the septuagenarian artist nurtured a profound fascination for astrology. This passion is evident in the majority of his paintings, where he meticulously includes astrological charts in the top left-hand corner. “When viewers behold my artwork, they can discern significant dates simply by observing the painting itself,” he affirms.
To deepen his understanding of the fire element, he embarked on visits to numerous cremation grounds. These sacred spaces provided him with invaluable insight into the rituals and ceremonies associated with funerals. His artistic renderings of these places capture the essence of the ceremonies with remarkable precision, portraying the funeral rites in an exact and dignified manner. Through his art, he seeks to convey the significance and sanctity of these solemn occasions.
The artworks showcased at the Siddhartha Art Gallery in Babermahal are not available for purchase. Instead, they serve as a reflection of the artist’s lifelong journey and discoveries as a seeker. If you are intrigued by his profound experiences and insights, the artist welcomes personal discussions during a limited exhibition period from the 14th to the 18th of July. Visiting the gallery will provide an opportunity to engage in insightful conversations about his artistic endeavors and spiritual exploration.
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