Bilampau: The forgotten stories of Nepali art

What does it mean to remember an art form? How can we revive a dying art form into the collective consciousness of the twenty-first century?

Within the rich heritage of Newa art, you might have heard of Paubha or Thanka, two types of cloth painting known for their religious iconography. Many tourists leave Nepal with at least one of the two tucked away in their suitcases, hoping to hang a unique reminder of their travels on their walls. But for foreigners and Nepalis alike, few have heard of Bilampau , an elusive narrative art style that may have been inspired by Paubha. Bilampau in Newa means horizontal painting.