MANUJ BABU MISHRA
Kathmandu, Nepal
Manuj Babu Mishra was born in August 1936 A.D. Mishra holds a B.F.A. degree from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh and an M.A. in Ancient History and Culture from Tribhuvan University, Nepal. In his professional career, Mishra has been associated with various national and international organizations, worked as a senior graphic designer and as a Fine Arts lecturer at Tribhuvan University.
Mishra has had 12 solo shows, with his first exhibition opening in 1967A.D. in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He has since exhibited internationally in Germany, India, and Denmark and prolifically in Nepal. In addition to work as a visual artist, Mishra has published numerous books on art, politics, and history.
Mishra’s oeuvre is cluttered with depictions of gods and goddesses; however, Mishra is an ardent atheist. Most of the male characters in his works are modelled from his likeness; vividly reflecting his inner emotional turmoil. Mishra’s works offer the viewer a glimpse into the sinister, godless world of his imagination.
A veteran artist and an intellectual litterateur who revolutionized the concept of modernism of art in Nepal is Manuj Babu Mishra. Due to his efforts, there was the establishment of Modern Art in Nepal. There is no question that from his death in 2018, a huge tragedy has befallen the Nepalese modern art world. Though Mr. Mishra is not with us anymore, we remain with his unique approach to art and his lessons of the surreal elements of art.
Throughout his long artistic journey, he has been associated with various national as well as international organizations. The Bikalpa art center felt a profound loss but it is also a pleasure to state that one of Mr. Mishra’s last collaborative show was at the Bikalpa Art Center. The Panorama 60’s: Pioneers of Nepali Modernism will be Mr. Mishra’s final work and a great privilege to us.
Late Manuj Babu Mishra was born in August 1936 A.D. He holds a B.F.A degree from the University of Dhaka as well as M.A. in Ancient History and Culture from Tribhuvan University, Nepal. He has provided a great value in the modern Nepali art for over 50 years.
Mr. Mishra has exhibited his work in various shows be it domestic or international. He successfully conducted over 12 different solo exhibitions. The very first of his solo exhibition was in Dhaka, Bangladesh in 1967 A.D. He went on to solo exhibit in various other countries such as Denmark, India, Germany as well as Nepal.
Along with painting, Mr. Mishra was also interested in writing. He has published various books on art, politics, and history. Although an ardent atheist, Mr. Mishra’s oeuvre is cluttered with depictions of gods and goddesses. Most of the male characters in his works are modeled from his likeness, vividly reflecting his inner emotional turmoil. His work offers the viewer a glimpse into the sinister, godless world of his imagination.
With this Bikalpa Art Center, the online store/ archive initiative aims to provide the sincerest tribute to the legendary artist and showcase his artworks.