Lujan Rai Dongol on Wrathful Deities, Freedom, and Vibrant Energy

In an interview with the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, Nepali transdisciplinary artist Lujan Rai Dongol discusses his practice, which weaves Himalayan iconography with contemporary sensibilities. He draws on childhood visits to Lumbini, where murals of wrathful deities offered solace amid personal turmoil. Dongol reframes these deities as compassionate guides, portraying them with whimsy and vibrant color to challenge negative perceptions. His process is intuitive, often guided by dreams and subconscious impulses. He cites influences including Francis Bacon, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Takashi Murakami. Dongol avoids social media, preferring music and monastery visits to overcome creative blocks. His works, such as 'Manifesting Yamantaka' (2024) and 'Souvenirs from Time to Time' (2024), explore identity, impermanence, and collective memory. The interview was conducted by Christina Watson, digital editor at the Rubin Museum.