In a groundbreaking event, the Leonard Pearlstein Gallery at Drexel University’s Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design is set to host the first-ever exhibition of contemporary Nepali artists in the United States. Titled “NEPAL: Contemporary Paintings and Early Photographs in the collection of Dr. David Nalin,” this exhibition promises a captivating journey into the rich cultural tapestry of Nepal.
Scheduled to open on Thursday, Jan. 18, the showcase will kick off with an opening reception from 5-7:30 p.m. Visitors can explore over 40 contemporary paintings and 42 historical photographs from the private collection of Dr David Nalin. The exhibition is a unique amalgamation of traditional and modern, bridging the gap between centuries-old Nepali artistry and the contemporary visions of 13 talented Nepali artists.
This unprecedented exhibition runs until Tuesday, March 19, allowing art enthusiasts to experience the diverse narratives and unique perspectives encapsulated within the featured works. Operating hours are Tuesday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the URBN Annex (3401 Filbert St.).
The spotlight is on 13 contemporary Nepali artists, including Sabin Acharya, Sabita Dangol, Ajaya Deshar, Krishna Lama, Roshan Pradhan, Rajan Pant, Ishan Pariyar, Jasmie Rajbhandari, Uddab Raj Rimal, Shiva Kumar Sharma, Prithvi Shrestha, and Erina Tamrakar. These artists, gaining international acclaim, showcase a distinctive style characterized by the harmonious fusion of traditional elements and modern aesthetics.
Themes such as individual and cultural identity, gender equality, conflicts and crises, and the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity echo strongly in the exhibited works. Pia Brancaccio, PhD, an art history professor at the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, emphasizes that these artists tackle questions of belonging, globalization’s impact, and the preservation of cultural heritage amid rapid change.
Complementing the contemporary paintings are 42 early photographs from late 19th- and early 20th-century Nepal. These photographs, part of Dr. David Nalin’s extensive collection, provide a historical perspective on the evolution of visual language in Nepal. The images capture a transformative period in the country’s history, offering glimpses into architecture, landscapes, and the lifestyles of Nepali and colonial elites during the Rana period (1846–1951).
Dr. David Nalin, an art collector and physician, began his Asian art collection during his assignment to former East Pakistan in the late 1960s. Over 12 years working in South Asia, he became acquainted with traditional and modern Nepali culture, forming connections with contemporary artists whose works now grace this exhibition.
In addition to the visual feast, a day-long symposium on Saturday, Feb. 24, will delve into the exhibition’s themes. Speakers, including Ajay Sinha, PhD, Kerry Brown, PhD, and Gautam Vajracharya, PhD, will explore Nepali art’s cultural and historical dimensions. The symposium, open to the public with reservations, will conclude with a roundtable featuring the participating artists.
This pioneering exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the contemporary Nepali art scene and serves as a bridge connecting the past, present, and future of Nepal’s artistic legacy. Art enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs alike are invited to immerse themselves in the vibrant expressions of Nepal at the Pearlstein Gallery.