Mural Art Workshop at Bikalpa Art House
Mural Art Comes to Life: Mural Art Workshop at Bikalpa Art House
Over four immersive days from February 26 to March 1, 2025, the Bikalpa Art House in Chobhar became a vibrant canvas as six passionate participants joined renowned artists Arin Shrestha, Saroj Mahato, and Saran Tandukar for an intensive Mural Art Workshop. The workshop introduced techniques such as graffiti, stenciling, wheat pasting, and calligraffiti, immersing participants in the dynamic world of street art.
The Mural Art Workshop at Bikalpa Art House mn was a four-day immersive experience where participants explored the history, techniques, and cultural significance of street art under the guidance of Arin Shrestha and Saroj Mahato. The workshop began with an introduction to graffiti, murals, stenciling, wheat pasting, and stickers, along with discussions on legal and ethical responsibilities in public art. As the sessions progressed, participants engaged in hands-on exercises, sketching mural concepts, practicing graffiti lettering, stencil-making, and spray paint techniques, and refining their designs in small groups.
The highlight was the collaborative creation of a large-scale mural, where teams applied layering, shading, and color blending techniques, along with the wheat pasting technique taught by visual artist Saran Tandukar, to bring their artistic vision to life. Tandukar also provided hands-on training in wheat pasting, allowing participants to explore this technique in-depth and incorporate it into their final artwork. The workshop concluded with final detailing, sealing the mural for longevity, and a reflective group discussion. This engaging program showcased how street art is more than painting—it’s about storytelling, reclaiming spaces, and creative expression.
Know the mentors
Arin Shrestha – Urban Artist
Arin Shrestha, a self-taught urban artist from Kathmandu, Nepal, specializes in calligraffiti, blending calligraphy and graffiti into striking geometric compositions. His work fuses abstract expressionism and street art, redefining urban creativity. With expertise in street art, stencil-making, large-scale installations, and upcycling, he has participated in international festivals, social projects, and commissioned works, extending his practice to digital illustration, design, curation, and branding.
Saran Tandukar – Visual Artist
Kathmandu-based visual artist Saran Tandukar, a graduate of Kathmandu University Center for Art and Design, specializes in community artwork, street art, and international exhibitions. He has contributed to Kolor Kathmandu and Beauty in Unity and exhibited at Siddhartha Art Gallery and Arniko Art Gallery. Saran has participated in prestigious art festivals and residencies, including the Asia Kula Kula Ring Project (Korea) and Gyeonggi Creation Center, and received a special award at the National Exhibition of Fine Art (2012). His work continues to enrich Nepal’s art scene.
Saroj Kushwaha – Curator & Director of Bikalpa Art Foundation:
Saroj Kushwaha is a filmmaker, cultural leader, and educator dedicated to shaping Nepal’s creative landscape. Holding an MFA from KARTS, Korea, with training from the Asian Film Academy, Busan, he has been active in the field since 2009. As Co-founder & Director of Bikalpa Art Foundation (since 2014), Saroj continues to nurture Nepal’s art scene through exhibitions, festivals, and residencies, positioning Bikalpa as a leading cultural hub in Kathmandu.
Let’s hear from our participants:
“I learned a lot, but I felt like there’s still so much more to explore. The spray paint practice was especially fun—the smell, the unpredictable force, and the way different shapes formed with direction was fascinating. I also realized the huge difference between painting on paper and creating a mural on a wall. Learning techniques like tracking, tracing, and collaborating as a team was truly valuable.” – Ujjwala Amatya
“It was a fun experience! I truly learned a lot of things. The environment was fun. The most fun part was working with different people. If this workshop happens again, I will definitely come back.” – Baibhav Poudel
“I got to work as a team and that’s my favourite part as well. I loved the stencil-made lion and learning new techniques, especially wheat pasting and spray can graffiti! The dedication of my fellow mates in completing the mural was inspiring, and Mentor Arin’s eagerness to share his knowledge, along with the warmth and encouragement from all, inspired me the most.” – Bishnu Prasad Chapai
“It was an incredible experience, and getting to work with our instructors was the highlight for me. I learned so much, and being surrounded by like-minded people was truly inspiring for me.” – Aashish Subedhi
As a platform for creativity, innovation, and social change, the Bikalpa Art Foundation (BAF) serves as a bridge between artists, art enthusiasts, and the wider community, promoting artistic expression and collaboration. Through workshops, international residencies, and community art projects, BAF actively raises awareness on social, cultural, and civic issues. Our educational programs provide emerging artists with opportunities to experiment, challenge norms, and push creative boundaries—just like this Mural Art Workshop. We believe that art has the power to inspire, transform, and build meaningful connections, and we remain dedicated to supporting artists in their journey to make a lasting impact on society.
Stay tuned for future mural projects at Bikalpa Art House!
