Artists globally employ diverse methods to convey their inner selves. Occasionally, their creative endeavors elude comprehension from the ordinary populace, who may even question its classification as art. However, a visit to the Takpa Gallery in Lazimpat could alter your perspective on artistry entirely. Currently showcasing ‘Meaning within the Meaning’ by sculptor Bhuvan Thapa from April 21 to the 5th of May, 2024, this exhibition promises to challenge conventional notions of art.
The artist, also an art lecturer at Kathmandu University, mesmerizes with his discourse on his creations. His ability to infuse value and evoke emotions from seemingly ordinary stones and woods is captivating. Each stone adorning the gallery walls tells a unique tale. With an almost poetic flair, he narrates the origins of each, like, “Oh, this stone, freshly plucked from a river in Butwal.” His vision for art aligns closely with nature; he encases the stones in metal frames resembling money bags, longing to exhibit them in natural settings like riverbanks. He believes in preserving the stones’ innate essence, resisting excessive modification that alters their natural allure. His future plans include showcasing his art directly on riverbanks, an homage to Mother Nature herself.
Since childhood, Mr. Thapa possessed a creative and artistic inclination. His journey to Butwal after completing his School Leaving Certificate examination proved pivotal. Witnessing an artist craft, a signboard with profound dedication and skill left him in awe. He approached the artist, eager to learn such craftsmanship. In their conversation, the artist mentioned a college in Kathmandu renowned for teaching art as a major subject.
Upon learning more about it, he journeyed to Kathmandu to pursue art at Lalitkala Campus. What prompted him to choose sculpture over fine art remains a mystery to him. His sculptural endeavors at Lalitkala still stand as exemplary pieces within the campus. Every piece of artwork he creates is infused with his entire soul, ensuring that even the most seemingly insignificant wooden blocks and stones radiate with profound vitality
Among the artworks displayed in the gallery, one is titled “The Allegory of the Cave.” Similar to Plato’s depiction of cave dwellers, this piece portrays shadowy figures visible from the circular mouth of a cave. During the Maoist insurgency, his trips to villages were solely for stone collection. With his long hair and unconventional attire, he often faced scrutiny from authorities during bag searches upon his return. Mistaken for a Maoist combatant due to his appearance and the stones in his bag, he consistently struggled to clarify his identity as an artist.
During national exhibitions, he actively participated and even received prestigious awards in the field of sculpture. Despite his accolades, the artist remains humble, emphasizing that the true greatness of art lies in the emotions it evokes. Another notable piece is titled “Unity,” depicting male and female forms with a triangle hovering above their heads, resembling a chariot. It’s a striking and remarkable artwork.
Similarly, there’s another sculpture titled “Bull,” portraying a bull in a seated position. He remembers a time at the National Academy of Fine Arts when each artist was given a large number of wooden blocks to create something creative. Thapa received the last piece, which was quite odd. From that peculiar piece, he crafted the bull sculpture.
In his village in Butwal, he once crafted a Buddha statue intended for display at the highway roundabout. However, due to technical issues, the project did not come to fruition. The Buddha sculpture remained in his possession, and now, he has incorporated it into a metal frame, imbuing it with the essence of post-earthquake reconstruction.
With a poet’s touch, Mr. Thapa can articulate profound meaning in the simplest of things. This marks his inaugural solo exhibition, and he’s eager to engage personally with visitors. Given the unique nature of the exhibition, it’s an opportunity not to be missed. Don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with the artist himself.
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