Mukesh Shrestha 1979-01-12 MFA -BHU,India BFA-Lalitkala Campus,Nepal IFA-Lalitkala Campus,Nepal SLC-BESS,Balkot Bhaktapur,Nepal

This artwork powerfully depicts Kritimukha Bhairav, the 'Face of Glory' Bhairav, a common protective motif found over doorways and scared thresholds in Nepalese architecture. the fierce, red-and-gold masked face in the center, framed by a wild name, symbolize the all-consuming, protective nature of time and the divine. The artist's composition skillfully integrates the presence of Shiva by depicting on both sides of the central figure's head. This dual representation emphasis that Kirtimukha, despite its terrifying aspect, is fundamentally an emanation of Shiva's ultimate protective power. The figure stands triumphantly on a demon (likely Apasmara), underscoring his role as a guardian who destroy the negative forces encountered when crossing a spiritual or physical boundary.

Kirtimukha Bhairav

In today's restless world, people move endlessly, driven by desire , time, and circumstance. Greed, anger, and attachment replace compassion, harmony, and cooperation, leaving humanity enslaved by its own cravings . Bhairav Bhav reflects this condition through ancient symbolism and contemporary vision. Two guardians appear with their multiple arms invoking Bhairav's fierce energy and Shiva's cosmic reach- power multiplied for balance, not destruction. Where weapons are expected, open hands and fragile branches emerge. Red floral heads transform violence into renewal , shakti into life. Machines of war are subdued as flowers rise. The work urges a return inward, seeking truth, self-existence, and peace.

Peace

In this striking painting, the artist presents a single powerful form that unites all eight Bhairavs into one commanding presence. The central figure Unmatta Bhairav radiates fierce energy through blazing red eyes, sharp gestures, and multiple arms holding ritual objects. Faces emerging within the composition suggest the merging of different Bhairav aspects, each contributing its own strength and character. Rendered in bold monochrome tones against a warm ochre background, the body feels solid, intense, and timeless. The dynamic posture conveys movement, authority, and control over chaos. Beneath the raised feet, a subdued figure(likely apasmara) grounds the scene, symbolizing victory over ego and illusion. Rooted in traditional iconography yet expressed with a contemporary spirit, the painting captures the unified force, protection, and transformative power of all eight Bhairavs within a single, compelling image.

Unmatta Bhairav II

This compelling artwork depicts Bagh Bhairav (Tiger Bhairav ), the revered guardian deity of Kirtipur. The central figure, executed in powerful monochrome, is instantly recognizable by the tiger- like mask over his face, reflecting the legend that Lord Shiva took the form of a tiger to protect the ancient town. The artist integrates the divine hierarchy by weaving the presence of Shiva. This reinforces that Bagh Bhairav, while a ferocious and powerful form, is an emanation of Shiva, the supreme deity. The figure is shown dancing on a prostrate demon (likely apasmara), symbolizing the destruction of ego and the triumph of the divine protector over negative forces.

Bagh Bhairav

This striking artwork captures Batuk Bhairav, a fierce yet benevolent form of Shiva, as worshipped in places like Lagankhel . The central figure, rendered in dynamic monochrome, embodies the tandava dance , symbolizing the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction, with the characteristic blue-masked face adding a vibrant, ritualistic focal point. Crucially, the depiction includes Shiva's calm profile appears to the right, signifying that Batuk Bhairav is himself an emanation of the ultimate reality, Shiva . The main figure stands victorious over a prostrate apasmara (demon of forgetfulness), emphasizing his role as the protector who dispels ignorance and worldly delusion.

Batuk Bhairav

In this vivid painting, Shwet Bhairav stands in a dynamic, forward-moving posture, his striking yellow face framed by fierce red detailing and crowned hair that flows like rising flames . The artist has woven the presence of Shiva on both sides of the central figure, their calm profiles emerging from the same halo of hair, showing that Shwet Bhairab's force is inseparably rooted in Shiva's divine essence. The many arms - each holding ritual objects - create a rhythmic sweep of motion, while serpents coil around the limbs , adding to the intensity. Below, the duck-shaped mount and the subdued figure ground the composition, echoing the traditional iconography of Hanuman Dhoka's revered Bhairav.

Shwet Bhairav

In this striking painting, Shanta Bhairav rises with contained strength, his red mask- like face set against a body rendered in bold monochrome strokes . On both sides of the central figure, the artist has subtly embedded the calm profiles of Shiva, emphasizing that the power of Shanta Bhairav is inseparable from Shiva's presence surrounding him. The many arms, coiling serpents, and layered gestures create a sense of steady motion, held together within a balanced, composed form. Against the warm ochre background, the figure beneath his feet adds to the grounding force of the composition, allowing this distinctive portrayal of Bhairav from Manju Patan to speak with clarity and depth.

Shanta Bhairav

In this striking painting, the artist masterfully intertwines two divine figures within a single body - the fierce Unmatta Bhairav and the graceful, dancing Shiva. The powerful central form carries the wild intensity of Bhairab: blazing red eyes, sharp gestures , and an eruption of arms brandishing ritual objects. Yet, woven seamlessly into the composition, Shiva's calm profile appears to the left, emerging from the same flowing hair and sharing the same monumental frame. This subtle merging reveals the artist's intention to show that the frenzied, unrestrained force of Unmatta Bhairab is inseparable from Shiva. The monochrome body, set against a warm ochre field, enhances this duality - one form radiating two energies, two presences held in one powerful silhouette. The subdued figure beneath Bhairav's feet anchors the composition, reinforcing the dynamic balance between destruction, transformation, and transcendence. The painting stands as a thoughtful blend of o tradition tradition and and contemporary sensitivity, capturing the unity of these two cosmic forces in a single, compelling image.

Unmatta Bhairav I

In this powerful painting, Aakash Bhairab commands the canvas with a vivid blue- and-red face that immediately draws the eye . The artist shapes the deity's body in bold monochrome strokes , giving the many arms, serpents, and ritual objects a sense of rhythmic movement that feels both sculptural and alive. At the center of the composition, Shiva's serene face rests close to Bhairab's chest, a gentle reminder that the sky-dwelling protector emerges from Shiva's own divine force. Against the warm ochre backdrop, every detail from the raised bell and trident to the curling snakes and expressive feet - stands out with striking clarity. The subdued figure beneath Bhairav's dancing pose anchors the scene, symbolizing the triumph over ego and illusion. The painting carries the spirit of traditional imagery while presenting Akash Bhairab in a fresh, contemporary visual language.

Aakash Bhairav

In this powerful composition, Kal Bhairab emerges in his full wrathful energy, yet inseparably bound to Shiva, from whom he manifests . The artist captures this dual presence through the subtle profile of Shiva integrated behind Bhairab a reminder that the fierce guardian and the serene Lord are one essence in two forms . Rendered in bold monochrome strokes against a glowing ochre field, the figure's many arms, skull garland, and dynamic posture convey unstoppable force, while the calm visage of Shiva anchors the work in divine balance. The piece beautifully blends classical iconography with contemporary expression, revealing both the fury and the transcendence that coexist within the Bhairab- Shiva tradition

MUKESH SHRESTHA

About the Artist