Created in 1967, one year before his Fulbright posting to the United States, this painting marks a significant evolution in Bangdel’s approach to the nude. Unlike his Parisian works, which embraced European academic conventions, this piece is shaped by the cultural landscape of Nepal—both literally and metaphorically. A woman sits partially reclined, her nude body modestly veiled by a soft green cloth. Her pose suggests introspection rather than display, and her turned face adds a layer of psychological depth. A bird perches beside her, and distant mountains rise along the horizon—elements that root the scene in Nepal’s natural rhythms. Birds, commonly seen fluttering through the courtyards and windows of Nepali homes, here become symbols of daily life, freedom, and connection. The composition reflects a thoughtful compromise between form and context. While Bangdel maintains the integrity of the nude as a timeless subject, he tempers it with local modesty and narrative setting. The result is a culturally resonant portrayal that honors both tradition and experimentation.
Details
- Title : Nude Series
- Year : 1967
- Artist : Lain Singh Bangdel
- Classification : Painting
- Medium : Oil on canvas
- Dimension : Size 15 2/5 × 20 1/10 in | 39 × 51 cm Framed Size 24 × 28 7/10 in | 61 × 73 cm
- Collection : Tansbao Gallery
- Credit Line : Tansbao Gallery
- Acquisition Method : Actioned
- Status : Frieze Seoul I 2- 5 Sept 2026 I For sale I Tansbao Gallery I On Hold