Manish Lal Shrestha — Contemporary Artist of Nepal
25+ years of shaping Nepal’s contemporary art movement through performance, installation, mixed-media practice & conceptual visual expression.
Rooted in culture, memory, and transformation, my artworks carry narratives of time, identity, and lived experience crafted through experimental approaches and evolving forms.
Manish Lal Shrestha is a leading contemporary artist from Nepal, known for a multidisciplinary visual practice that spans painting, installation, and performance. Moreover, with an evolving language shaped by culture, memory, and transformation, he has contributed significantly to the growth of contemporary art in Nepal for over 25 years. As a result, his work moves beyond form, reflecting personal philosophy, inner landscapes, and the shifting narratives of time.
Artistic Practice
Rooted in experimental process and conceptual thought, Shrestha’s practice incorporates diverse materials, symbols, and ephemeral gestures. Moreover, his approach to contemporary art in Nepal blends tradition with thought-provoking intention, thereby creating a deliberate balance between visual rhythm and embodied experience. As a result, each artwork unfolds as a fluid dialogue moving between self and audience, and between silence and sensation.
Installations, Performance & Curatorial Work
Beyond his studio practice, Shrestha has played an active role as a curator and cultural facilitator within Nepal and internationally. Additionally, his paintings, performances, and site-specific installations engage deeply with themes of presence, memory, and public space. Moreover, his curatorial initiatives foster dialogue, nurture emerging voices, and strengthen community-centered approaches across generations. Consequently, his practice extends beyond the individual evolving into a shared space of exchange, participation, and collective experience.