At a time when a banana taped to a wall sells for millions of dollars only to be eaten, exhibitions like ‘Spirits in Transition’ by Tsherin Sherpa restore hope in the art world. Ongoing at Takpa Gallery, this exhibition explores the intermediate state of a spirit transitioning to a different form after leaving a body.

According to Buddhist mythology, a spirit takes 49 days to transition into another body after death. The exhibition portrays this transitional phase, rich with symbolic meaning.

The exhibited artworks are abstract, allowing the viewers to interpret them as they please. However, in conversation with the artist, he explains the theme and a few elements of the paintings and their significance.

At first glance, the 17 artworks on display might appear similar, but a closer inspection reveals the uniqueness of each piece. The paintings feature human-like figures representing spirits adorned with vibrant patterns and elements inspired by traditional Thangka paintings. A stand-out feature of each artwork is the pink, balloon-like circle that replaces the figure’s face, which can also be seen in his other artworks.

These figures are set against modern, dynamic postures, offering a fusion of the old and new. He says, “It is the combination between the past and present, religious and non-religious, high art and low art.”

The artist has painted multiple layers to create the colours of the paintings. He usually uses acrylic colours from the Holbein brand in Japan. He says, “As the painting requires multiple layers to look vibrant, I prefer this brand, which gives a more natural touch.” The details of each painting are life-like, and the fusion of traditional Thangka art with modern art is fascinating.

It was my first time visiting Sherpa’s exhibition, and its unique concept allured me. The paintings are titled ‘Spirit-Study #1’ to ‘Spirit-Study #15’.

The 15 completed artworks were painted on arches of paper through the hot press, whereas the two uncompleted artworks were painted on canvas.

Looking closely at the paintings, you can see that both male and female figures are used. Both have snakes around their ankles and wrists, which look like jewellery but symbolise conquering one’s anger. Sherpa says, “Like how people use the skin of a tiger, demonstrating the conquer of fear, I’ve used snakes to conquer one’s anger.”

The black disc found in each painting resembles the shadow, and it is a platform used in Thangka paintings where the gods and goddesses stand, providing them with elevation.

One fascinating aspect of the ‘Spirits in Transition’ exhibit is that all 15 completed artworks were sold within days of the event. When asked about this, Sherpa revealed that one of his key clients purchased the entire collection as soon as it was finished.

Sherpa, also the founder of Takpa Gallery, shared that the proceeds from these sales will go toward running and sustaining the gallery. The gallery plays a vital role in supporting new and emerging Nepali artists by offering them a platform to showcase and promote their work.

Sherpa has been exploring the theme of ‘spirits’ since 2010 during his time in the US. While creating artwork for a residency program, he revisited his childhood memories of growing up in Kathmandu. His hometown, located in the Himalayan region, is steeped in the belief that natural elements like mountains, hills, and lakes possess their own spirits—a perspective he first learned from his grandmother’s stories as a child.

Despite living in the US for a decade, Sherpa felt isolated amid the cultural diversity. This led him to reimagine his childhood nostalgia, connecting it to the idea of spirits. Reflecting on this, he says, “According to my experience, the spirit is an identity created by the joint conceptualisation of people. Spirits are also our reflections and stay with us wherever we go.”

He highlights the fluidity of identity in a globalised world, noting how he shifts between being Nepali, American, or ‘Himali’ depending on his location. He says, “Identity is the main feature of a person. So, I reimagined ways to take that feature to the next step. Thus, the figures in the painting don’t have a fixed feature because they are in transition.” For him, the character is the focal point of his artworks, and eventually, he adds other details.

Sherpa’s incorporation of elements from Thangka painting is deeply rooted in his personal history as a painter. Coming from a family of Thangka artists, he began learning the craft at 13. His skills were honed by assisting his father, a Thangka artist, and later working as a Thangka painter at a Buddhist centre in the US. This background strongly influences his artistic style, blending traditional techniques with contemporary interpretations.

Sherpa typically spends 2-3 months developing concepts and creating artworks for exhibitions. He often hires Thangka artists or students as painting and theme development assistants. However, he completed the paintings in just over a month for his recent exhibition in Nepal, dedicating most of the time to conceptualisation.

As a Non-Resident Nepali (NRN), Sherpa frequently travels between Nepal and the US. All the artworks for this exhibition were prepared in Nepal, showcasing his connection to his roots. He credits the opportunities and exposure he received in the US for inspiring his transformation from a traditional Thangka artist to a contemporary artist, allowing him to expand the boundaries of his craft.

This is Sherpa’s third exhibition in Nepal. He mostly organises exhibitions in the US, Asia, and Europe. He fears the disappearance of Thangka art in the future, as it takes a minimum of five years to learn the basics of Thangka art, followed by rigorous practice and experiences to hone the skill. He says, “As people want everything instantly nowadays, art like Thangka paintings is at risk of extinction.”

Sherpa is also one of the founders of the ‘Himalayan Art Initiative’, which teaches young girls and boys Thangka painting in Bauddha every Saturday.

In addition to paintings, Sherpa explores sculptural art using materials like bronze and fibreglass and creates art on carpets and installations using diverse elements and techniques. He designs the concepts and closely guides sculptors and artisans to bring his visions to life in various forms.

Sherpa’s work is also being showcased in a Hong Kong exhibition, where he displayed a 10-meter-long carpet. He explains his approach: "In contemporary art, artists create the artwork themselves and collaborate with others. They develop the designs and work with artisans to transform them into different art forms.”

Sherpa is delving into the theme of the intermediate state of the spirit, marking this exhibition as his first on the subject. He plans to explore and expand this concept through future artworks and exhibitions worldwide.

Sherpa’s ‘Spirits in Transition’ bridges tradition and modernity, presenting a thought-provoking exploration of identity, spirituality, and transformation. The exhibition reflects Sherpa’s artistic evolution and his dedication to preserving and reimagining Thangka art. Weaving traditional narratives into contemporary contexts highlights the enduring relevance of cultural stories.

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Spirits in Transition

Where: Takpa Gallery, Lazimpat

Until December 29

Time: Tuesday to Thursday: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, Friday to Sunday: 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, closed on Monday

Entry: Free