A discussion session on the topic Newar Contribution to Asian Art was held at Yala Mandala earlier this week. Facilitated by art historian Naresh Shakya, the event saw discussion on the history of Newar art and its influence on many parts of Asia.

Speaking at the session, Shakya said, “The Newar artists belong to a mixed community absorbing all the people who entered the Kathmandu valley. They have produced art of pictorial form, stone images, carving on wood, emboss on brass,

cast in bronze, paint on plaster, molded terra cotta, and made thousands of shrines within the valley for a long period of time.”

He added, “The Newars of Kathmandu Valley are renowned painters who created finest paintings, not just in the valley, but in far off locations in Tibet and China. They took their painting skills to many parts of Asia and contributed quite a lot to Asian art scene.”

Talking about the initial influence of Newar art in Asian art scene, Shakya put light on the fact that Arniko, who was one of the finest artists, started to expand the territory by creating different art works in Tibet and China.

“His distinct style of painting with the combination of different local style created a new blend of art in Asia. After him many Newar artists in different periods contributed to the development of painting in many parts of Asia.”