Kathmandu Down the Ages: Sharma’s Artistic Creations

History is not always something that interests everyone. But when history is reflected through the eyes of an artist who has lived for nearly a century, it redefines the narrative and makes history one of the most fascinating subjects of all.

Although Hari Prasad Sharma has numerous wrinkles on his skin, his mind is as sharp as ever. He draws upon every single memory from his archive and fills the canvas with reflections of ancient times, mostly centered around the Kathmandu Valley.

Unlike today, Kathmandu looked completely different when visualized through Sharma’s paintings. Born in Lagantole, Lalitpur nearly nine decades ago, Sharma captures every small and large event that took place during his youth.

Kathmandu, as we all know, carries a rich history and culture, celebrated through various jatras that help preserve tradition. Growing up in the Newar community, Sharma observed how houses looked, how people gathered around public taps (dhungedhara), and how even the smallest events in a family mattered to everyone. Family, in the truest sense, used to be a closely knit unit of society.

Sharma’s paintings not only depict how Kathmandu used to look, but also carry the emotional and social dynamics of that time. Have you ever been to Hari Prasad Sharma’s art exhibition? If not, then you are missing the biggest bite of your favorite bar.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Bishnu Sharma—an economist and academician at Patan Multiple Campus—says, “It gives me more than just joy to promote my father’s work. I have just retired from my formal academic journey to introduce his work to the world.” he proudly mentions.

These remarks hold great significance when it comes to giving the older generation a stage to flourish. And why not—especially when your father brings history to life through his masterful art.

Hari Prasad Sharma recently completed his 16-day art exhibition, held from Jestha 09 to Jestha 24 at Nepal Art Council, Babarmahal. During the inauguration, in the presence of Education Minister Raghuji Pant and several art enthusiasts, Sharma addressed the public. He said, “My son is my ultimate backbone. He gives me ideas on what kind of painting would do justice, and I bring them out through colors. We complete each other.”

The father-son duo truly feels like two sides of the same coin. Even in his 90s, Sharma’s hands still move like those of a maestro, earning him well-deserved praise and admiration.

From portraying the Ashoka Pillar to commoners chatting in the streets, from King Mandev’s activities to the inauguration of Rani Pokhari—ravaged by the 2015 earthquake—the artist captures every aspect with exquisite detail. “Some of the paintings are my ideas, where I give geographical statistics to my father, and he reimagines the area and brings it to life,” says Bishnu Prasad.

From the Prime Minister to the Speaker of Parliament, every art lover visited the 16-day exhibition. Sharma says this will be the last exhibition he will personally attend in his lifetime, but his well-wishers hope for many more such events in the years to come. Undoubtedly, he will live on for centuries through the art he has created.

Motiram Bhatta once raised his voice to tell the world who Bhanubhakta was, long after he had passed away. Similarly, it is now our turn to raise our voices and pass on the legacy of Hari Prasad Sharma’s creations to the generations to come.