By KLTV Newsdesk –

A bold and thought-provoking new exhibition by Nepalese-born artist Manish Harijan is set to open In West Yorkshire.

Titled Untouchable Utopia, the exhibition, running from 1 March to 24 April 2025 at The Art House in Wakefield, showcases a striking collection of paintings and sculptures inspired by Pop Art, tackling themes of caste discrimination, class struggles, and global injustice.

Harijan, now based in Sheffield, draws upon his own lived experiences as the son of a shoemaker from Nepal’s historically oppressed Dalit caste.

His work serves as both a personal narrative and a political statement, using vibrant imagery to reframe the stories of marginalised communities.

His unique artistic style fuses Nepalese folklore with contemporary cultural references, challenging historical hierarchies and offering fresh perspectives on power and dignity.

The artist first gained attention in 2012 with his debut solo exhibition in Nepal, where he reimagined Hindu deities as superheroes.

The bold reinterpretation provoked outrage, leading to the exhibition’s abrupt closure, death threats, and legal action against Harijan, ultimately forcing him to seek refuge in the UK.

Since then, he has refined his craft and advocacy, earning a degree from Sheffield Hallam University and continuing to amplify the voices of the vulnerable through his art.

One of the standout pieces in Untouchable Utopia features an unexpected fusion of Marilyn Monroe and the Hindu goddess Kali.

This powerful juxtaposition invites audiences to reflect on the constructed nature of iconography, questioning why certain figures attain legendary status while others are erased or vilified.

The exhibition serves as a call to action, urging viewers to examine their own roles in upholding or dismantling societal divisions.

Through his work, Harijan not only presents an aesthetic experience but also demands engagement with the realities of oppression and resilience.

Untouchable Utopia is open to the public at The Art House, Wakefield, from Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, with free admission.

For more information, visit The Art House website.