The inauguration of ‘Whispers of The Divine’, an exhibition celebrating the artistry of Udaya Charan Shrestha, took place on Saturday, May 3, at the Purna Museum of Newa Art. The event showcases Paubha art, with works drawn from the collection of Anjana and the late Purna Man Shakya, offering viewers an opportunity to experience the depth and influence of Shrestha’s legacy.

The exhibition, which has been 14 years in the making, was inaugurated by Veronique Lorenzo, the ambassador of the European Union to Nepal. In her opening remarks, Lorenzo acknowledged the extraordinary artistry on display and praised the vision of the Shakya family, acknowledging their dedication to preserving and promoting Newa art. “I value both the art and the artist’s creations, along with the founders’ initiatives since 2011 to commission works for a solo exhibition,” she said.

The exhibition is presented in three phases. The first phase will run from May 4 to July 5, 2025, introducing several previously unseen masterpieces. The second phase, from July 8 to September 6, 2025, will showcase an expanded selection of works. The final phase, from September 10 to November 30, 2025, will combine all the works from the first and second phases for a comprehensive showcase.

At the inauguration, the artist Shrestha said, “This exhibition is special as it showcases artworks from one family’s collection. I wish Purna Man Shakya could have been here to witness the fruition of his labour.”

In addition to this, at Bodhisattva Gallery, the exhibition held at the same venue, ‘Sacred Forms: Honouring Udaya Charan Shrestha’s Artistic Legacy & Inspired Works’ offers a closer look at pieces inspired by Shrestha. Beyond paintings, ‘Sacred Forms’ showcases miniature works, reflecting the impact of Shrestha’s artistry.

Both the ‘Sacred Forms’ (until June 1) and the ‘Whispers of The Divine’ (until November 30) open from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The venue is closed on Mondays.