My story
Untold history of Contemporary Mural Art in Nepal
When was the mural art/street art begun in Nepal? What was the reason? Who were behind it?
The article was originally published by Kailash K. Shrestha through his Facebook post in Nepali, which was translated by Aditi Upadhyaya . Kailash K. Shrestha is a visual artist & Founder of Artudio.
I still vividly remember that day – 28th May, 2011. The day the new constitution of Nepal should have been promulgated. But sadly, the promulgation of the constitution did not happen on that day. Soon after the turmoil, many of us young artists were raising our voices on the walls of streets through art, in a separate art movement. Young Nepali artists, students and many fellow enthusiasts interested in art were connected on social media through the mural (Public/Street Art) art movement “hami banauchhau deshlai/We make the nation”, at the initiative of Artudio.
I still remember the political turmoil of our country back then, and the frustration and uncertainty this had brought to the general public. The chaotic, apolitical, insensitive and ugly thoughts and low level of consciousness of these political leaders seemed to add to the frustration and despair felt by the common people. As the identity of our well-civilized city of art and culture started becoming wrapped in negativity, we young artists, as an alternative, wanted to initiate and lead a revived art movement.
We realized that we have an important role to play in this society of artists and art. Art does not divide but instead unites society, makes us not superstitious but curious, makes us feel not inferior but proud, provides a unique identity, and plays many other similar roles. This is why I have been saying that “art is power” of the individual, society, state and the world.
Then we went to submit a letter seeking permission, stating that we wanted to make the general public proud of our art and culture again through art itself. I still remember the day when honest and sensitive artists with pure hearts and morals were trying to give artistic gifts to the common people through the ugly walls of Kathmandu had to return empty-handed without being granted the permission to do so by the state then.
When the state rejects a gentle request, a powerful rebellion and movement begins.
The collective art movement that started with a loud and clear voice on a mural, “Hami banauchhau desh lai/We Make the Nation” was a result of the same. The idea was to start the art movement from the walls of Ratnapark, where hollow political slogans and commercial posters were abounding. However, even though the movement could not start from there due to security reasons, a letter was sent to the Himalayan Hotel in Kupondole seeking permission to begin the art movement from the wall on the street outside the hotel. I believe this movement has come a long way since then.
The movement aimed to remove the hegemony of art limited to galleries that had been vested on a particular segment of the population, and bring it to the walls and streets in the community. This journey took its baby steps back then, and is gradually moving forward.
Happily, many young artists have since taken to the streets to raise their voices. The state, in particular, should have been proud of this and should have worked on policies for the benefit of artists and the upliftment of art.
Almost 10 years have passed since then, but the consciousness of the state is falling to an even lower level. This is a matter of great concern and debate. The recent move by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City on the graffiti of young artists has made clear how very little consciousness and sensitivity the state holds when it comes to art.
“When deep and sensitive aspects like art, literature and music cannot become an important part of the community, society and state – the community, society and state become seriously ill.”
May we all become aware of!
As humans, we are naturally built to crave connection. We want to love and be loved. No wonder, relationships occupy a major part in our lives. But “Happily Ever Afters” do take a lot of time, dedication and effort. Not every one of us are blessed enough to marry our first love. We go through lessons after lessons until we find the right one. But most of them are painful. Can’t we skip them?
Below are the few similar lessons from Quora that people shared from their own personal experiences. I hope these lessons save you from years of heartaches.
You learn self-love.
It is a well known fact that you can only pour out what you have. If you lack love yourself, how are you supposed to give it to another person? Self love is a basic foundation in any relationship. When you respect and value yourself, you can give the same to your partner. Lack of self love leads to low self esteem, which will slowly eat away your relationship.
Andrew Ferebee wrote,
“In several relationships, I would begin prioritizing my partner so heavily that I would stop taking care of myself. Look, you won’t be able to be the man or woman they need if you aren’t taking care of yourself. Eat well, get plenty of sleep, go to the gym, prioritize alone time and realize that all of these activities will make you a better partner… Not a selfish partner.” He continues- “Simply put, without self-love, there can be no love for others. You’ll constantly be using others to gain validation and approval instead of giving yourself validation and approval and then inviting others on the journey with you.“
And honestly, I think this lesson needs to be heard by all.
Communication is the key.
Admit it, no matter how well people claim to know each other, people can’t read minds. And that’s the most important reason why you should always communicate whatever you’re feeling. Silence isn’t always golden, is it? Ankit Verma writes,”Only those relationships work where there is equality, maturity and active vocal communication about the problems, from both sides.” Yes indeed. When you are vocal about your needs and problems, you can sit and fix things like how it should actually be done.
Another thing that you should know is, ” People speak different languages of love“- as Kwasi Baako states. Most of the time, the reason that your relationship isn’t working out is because your language of love doesn’t match with that of your partners. When this happens, s/he may not feel loved despite your best efforts. In such case, the first thing you should do is communicate with each other and solve the misunderstanding.
Keep your dignity- Learn to let Go.
When a relationship ends for the first time, it feels so devastating that you try to hold on – especially when the breakup is coming from the other person. Your mind will play a thousand tricks on you, because it loves the feeling of familiarity. When such a situation arise, know that it’s the time when life is testing you. You clinging to a person who deliberately chose to walk away, is only going to give them an ego boost and nothing more. Don’t give in- trust me, you are only extending your heart break.
Kwasi Baako writes- “NEVER EVER GO BACK TO PEOPLE WHO WALK AWAY FROM YOU — it’s a waste of your time , your energy and the highest form of disrespect to you,”
And yes, that is the truth, no matter how bitter it sounds.
You gotta be independent.
Udita Pal talks about three types of independence that everyone should learn- Financial Independence, Emotional Independence and Social Independence. I don’t even have to explain much because she made it so clear herself.
In her own words-
“There are three kinds of independence I’m talking about.
Financial independence: It doesn’t matter who earns more or less; you need to be at a place where your partner or not you can manage your lifestyle. It would be best if you want a partner, not an ATM.
Emotional Independence: A lot of people go through depression immediately after the breakup, which is normal but you need to understand you are more than someone’s partner and relationship or not -you are still going to exist.
Social Independence: You need to have friends outside the relationship and for sure out of the mutual circle, you need people around you to continually remind you that you have someone other than one person looking out for you. And most importantly, never ignore your parents and close ones for your partner.“
Say yes to healthy boundaries.
Andrew Ferebee says,” You need to know what you will and will not tolerate in a relationship and have the guts to actually enforce that.”
Basically, establish healthy boundaries, communicate them and maintain them. You have to know the difference between healthy and unhealthy compromises in a relationship. When you compromise thinking they would change in the future, you are only sowing unresolved conflicts that will show up one day or the other. If you aren’t happy with your partners’ habit in the beginning, chances are you won’t be happy with it five years down the lane.
In the end,
These are only a few among the hundreds of lessons that people shared on Quora. You can definitely check it if you want to read more. But remember, failed relationships never means that you failed your whole life.
Yes I do understand that it may have been a good relationship. But my darlings, good relationships doesn’t necessarily have to be right ones for you !!!
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