We recently connected with Ankita Sikari Sunuwar and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Ankita thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

I was fortunate enough to be raised by my grandparents in a charming suburb town surrounded by the hills of kathmandu valley, Nepal. Growing up in their care, I experienced a truly enchanting childhood. My grandparents played a significant role in shaping my upbringing, imparting essential cultural and religious values, as well as sharing cherished rituals. their guidance has instilled in me a deep appreciation for spiritual well-being, and I can confidently say that they raised me with love and wisdom.
Unlike the prevailing norm in Nepal, where parents often push their children toward careers in medicine or engineering, my grandparents took a different approach, they never imposed such expectation on me, allowing me the freedom to pursue my passion for painting.
Today, I cherish the memories of my Grandparents, who are no longer in this world. while they may be absent, the values they held dear continue to resonate within me, and for that, I am truly grateful.

Ankita, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am an artist from Kathmandu, Nepal, with a passion for preserving and promoting the ancient Paubha tradition- a revered art form depicting gods and goddess based on Buddhism and Hinduism. Interestingly , there aren’t many paubha artists around, making it quite a unique journey for me. I embarked on my paubha journey under the guidance of my respected guru, Ram Prakash Shrestha, during my early teens, and the learning process continues to enrich my skills everyday. In the meantime, I pursued a Bachelors In fine arts-painting from Lalitkala Campus while also working as a part time tattoo artist. Post graduation, I got into the world of concept art through an internship, eventually securing a position in character design with a notable three year experience.
Despite a fulfilling life in Kathmandu, I harbored a dreamto pursue an MFA in abroad, driven by the desire to bring positive change in fine art academia in Nepal. I noticed a trend where we often looked up to Western art culture, neglecting our own rich heritage. My dream is to see Nepalese artists cherish their roots and give Paubha the recognition it deserves. This led me to pursue an MFA in New York at State University of New York at New Paltz, where I’m currently immersing myself in paubha-inspired paintings. Beyond my studies, I also teach paintings to undergraduate at SUNY New Paltz. In addition to my academic pursuits, I illustrated a children’s book called ‘Kinkajou”, set to release in January 2024.
My creative works, whether in character design, concept art, painting, illustration, 2d animation, are all woven with the threads of my cultural roots and rituals. I am thrilled about my upcoming MFA thesis show at the Samuel Dorsky Museum of art on May 17. where I’ll showcase painting inspired by Paubha contributing to the conversation on cultural identity and heritage.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

To best support artist and creatives, society must recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions of the arts to culture and community. Fair compensation for artistic endeavors is crucial, and initiatives advocating for equitable pay should be supported. Accessible arts education and scholarships can nurture aspiring talents from diverse backgrounds. Public funding for the arts, art various governmental levels, ensures sustained cultural enrichment. Providing platforms for emerging artists, fostering collaboration, networking and celebrating cultural diversity within the arts community contribute to a. vibrant creative landscape. Ultimately, a society that values, respects, and actively engages with the arts creates an environment where artists thrive, bringing forth cultural richness and diversity.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The primary goal driving my creative journey is the continual honing of my practice within the paubha tradition. I aim not refine my skills and contribute meaningfully to its preservation and revolution. Moreover, I aspire to establish platform for other paubha artists, fostering a community where their talents can be celebrated and recognized.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ankitasikarisunuwar.com
• Instagram: @ankitalalala
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ankita.sikari/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankita-sikari-sunuwar-83b8b2257/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVPBd3d5toUcWtPctMZ9dbg