Painting Dot Series

The term “Dipamkara” is rooted in Sanskrit, where Dip signifies the flame and Ankur represents the sapling. Together, they embody the nurturing of inner consciousness. Historically, Dipamkara Buddha—an early bodhisattva—symbolizes enlightenment preceding Shakyamuni Buddha. This context, specifically the traditional Dipamkara Festival in Nagbahal, Nepal, inspired Manish Lal Shrestha to reflect on Buddhist teachings during contemporary global challenges.

Following a two-year meditative process, the artist developed this image of Dipamkara using dots to echo the visual language of the digital age. Created during the COVID-19 pandemic, the painting’s unbroken lines mirror both collective struggles and the artist’s personal journey. Consequently, the work emerges as a contemplative quest to connect with the “Buddha within,” offering healing affirmations to the world.

Furthermore, the inclusion of the conch shell symbolizes the conquest of the inner self and the profound reverberations of life. Ultimately, the artwork reimagines spiritual essence for the era of artificial intelligence by bridging ancient wisdom with present realities. Notably, this work was exhibited in Reimagine: Himalayan Art Now at the Rubin Museum, New York, and Wrightwood 659, Chicago, through 2025.