Gopal Das Shrestha, better known as “Kalapremi” at Siddhartha Art Gallery. Photo by Priti Thapa

Gopal Das Shrestha, better known as "Kalapremi" is Nepal’s legendary Ceramist, Sculptor, and Visual Artist. His work exhibits homage to the dying art form of traditional Nepali Art and Sculptor, complementing it with a seamless demonstration of modern contemporary art. The living legend receives appreciation for his work all over the globe. He has large followers in countries like Pakistan, China, Denmark, Austria, and Korea, where he receives invitations to conduct workshops, teach classes, hold seminars, receive medals, and so on. With a degree in Fine Art, Mr. Shrestha has great experience as a lecturer and instructor in fine arts as well as ceramics. Shrestha's work has been shown across the globe, and he is well-known for holding workshops and seminars.

Series Introduction

The Carbon Series

One of the oldest forms of pottery in Nepal, Northern Black Polished Ware began developing around the Vedic Period (700 BCE ) and peaked from 500-300 BCE, with Buddha meditating with this bowl in hand. It is one of the most important archaeological finds in human history. Our goal is to preserve the dying culture and bring it back to life through art.

The Melting Series

Each unique piece in the melting series represents a natural phenomenon. The inspiration comes from the northern light on the mountain glacier. Each creation seamlessly melts into existence with one another, with its own story and significance.

The Concord Series 

The Concord is a series of ceramic ware that mimics the texture of naturally occurring rocks and minerals. The Concord collection explores the beauty of natural stone, emphasizing the strength within it.

The Feminine Series 

The darkness of a New Moon is a time for reflection and exploring the unseen. Often thought of as a feminine moon phase, its spiritual meaning is a call for our presence. During this time anxieties, memories and experiences may appear, eager to be dealt with. It is portrayed by the feminine form, strange irregular shapes, the moon, and the river of energy flowing through it. The raku-fired sake pots were created to embody the sense of the moon, a symbol of offspring and reflection. This vessel represents a unique moment in time we face ourselves fully and are compelled to face our inner lunacy.

What is Raku and How to Use It?

Raku ware (raku-yaki) is a type of Japanese pottery traditionally characterized by being hand-shaped rather than thrown, fairly porous vessels, which result from low firing temperatures. In the traditional Japanese process, the fired raku piece is removed from the hot kiln and is allowed to cool in the open air - creating natural crackling effects in the pottery. By the ancient Japanese practice of Raku Sake brewing, this pot can be used to store or serve sake; its earthy tones and natural feeling are an expression of yearning for a new change. It is an example of a vessel being used as an art form to create a memory that lasts afterward. Teapot and cup set handcrafted by ceramist Gopal Kalapremi Shrestha. Photo by Priti Thapa

Gopal Das Shrestha's Timeline

• 2022 Siddhartha Art Gallery - ‘Art | Tea | Nature’ (Fusion of Tea Culture & Nepali Art)
• 2008 Siddhartha Art Gallery - ‘Kumudini’ (Blackware Ceramic)
• 2005 Gallery Nine - ‘The Bottle’ (Raku/Ceramic)
• 2005 NAFA Art Gallery - ‘Darker days of my Country’ (Raku/Ceramic)
• 2003 Indian Khol - ‘Single show in New Delhi’ (Raku/Ceramic)
• 2003 International Residency Programme -’ Khoj’ (Raku/Ceramic)
• 2001 Sirjana Art Gallery - ‘Kakapremi with Students’ (Paintings)
• 1999 Bamboo Art Gallery - ‘The Muse’ (Bronze, Ceramic, Mixed Media)
• 2000 Hotel De’ La Annapurna Gallery -’ Millennium’ (Ceramic, Mixed Media)
• 2000 Bamboo Art Gallery - ‘Gold Fish’ ( Bronze, Ceramic, Mixed Media)
• 2000 Kathmandu Art Gallery- ‘Peace From Love’ (Bronze and Ceramic)

Texts adapted from Fusion of Tea Culture & Ceramic Arts, Siddharth Art Gallery