The Godman’s future is dark

Bal Krishna Banamala is from the Kathmandu Valley city of Bhaktapur (also known as the city of devotees). As his name suggests, the artist is from the Banamala lineage of the Nevār people. Although low in the social hierarchy of Bhaktapur society, they are the only people permitted to perform the masked Navadurgā dance. At that time, wearing the consecrated masks, the dancers become gods and are revered by the community.

Through his overtly contemporary paintings, Bal Krishna, who has engaged in the Navadurgā dance since he was seven years old, reflects on the community significance of these rituals alongside the hardships brought by being born into this continuing tradition.