Whispers of The Divine
“Whispers of the Divine” is a landmark exhibition currently on view at the Purna Museum of Newa Art in Kupondole, Lalitpur, showcasing the sacred Paubha paintings of renowned artist Udaya Charan Shrestha. Curated from the private collection of Anjana and the late Purna Man Shakya, the exhibition represents over 14 years of artistic collaboration, devotion, and shared vision. This is the first time many of these works—deeply spiritual, highly detailed, and rooted in Newa tradition—are being shown to the public. Divided into three evolving phases from May to November 2025, the exhibition offers a growing narrative with each phase, gradually unfolding the full richness of this rare collection. Inaugurated by European Ambassador Veronique Lorenzo, the exhibition is not only an artistic showcase but also a cultural tribute to the living legacy of Newa art and the Shakya family’s four-decade commitment to its preservation.
Udaya Charan Shrestha is celebrated as a master of Paubha painting, a sacred and meditative art form deeply embedded in Newa Buddhist and Hindu traditions. His style is defined by precise linework, natural mineral pigments, and iconographic accuracy, combined with a deeply personal, spiritual essence. Within this exhibition, visitors can observe a broad range of his artistic language—from strictly traditional forms based on canonical scripture to more individualistic and emotionally resonant interpretations of deities. His artworks often feature rare iconographies, richly layered color palettes, and compositions set against handmade paper, reflecting both reverence for tradition and a unique artistic voice. Despite the disciplined structure of Paubha, his figures often carry subtle emotional depth and expressive detail, making his work both spiritually powerful and artistically distinctive.
Visitors to Whispers of the Divine can expect to be immersed in a serene and contemplative environment that invites spiritual reflection and cultural appreciation. The exhibition features dozens of Paubha paintings, many previously unseen, each revealing intricate symbolism, sacred geometry, and masterful craftsmanship. The display is designed to guide viewers gently through a visual and spiritual journey—starting with foundational themes and gradually moving into more complex, layered representations of the divine. Informative wall texts and curatorial notes enrich the experience by explaining the deeper meanings behind each piece, as well as the artistic and religious context in which they were created. Guests will witness not only the evolution of Shrestha’s style over time but also the vision of the Shakya family, whose lifelong dedication to safeguarding Newa heritage is at the heart of the museum itself. More than just an exhibition, Whispers of the Divine is a rare and powerful invitation to encounter sacred art as a living, breathing tradition—one that continues to inspire, guide, and connect generations.
