Shashi Bikram Shah

The artworks in this room capture a time of shock, violence and political unrest. Shah created this series of drawings, known as the Royal Massacre Series, in the aftermath of the 2001 assassination of Nepal’s royal family. He used newspaper cuttings to document national mourning. The event escalated the existing civil conflict in the country, ultimately resulting in the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal in 2008.

Each drawing can be looked at from both sides. Articles and portraits of the royal family appear on the front. Obituaries of the king and queen and congratulatory messages for the new king can be seen on the reverse. A portrait of the royal family is repeated throughout the series – this is one of the most reproduced photographs in Nepal. The newspaper clippings are layered with Shah’s expressive drawings and paintings. Hindu motifs and mythological references are blended together with traditional Nepali iconography, exploring themes of grief, politics and spirituality.

The choice of newspaper as a medium is particularly significant. A curfew was put in place in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital city, and the daily newspaper became the main source of information in the days following the massacre. Delivered to his home, Shah made use of those newspapers to create the artworks. These materials also reflect an important personal connection, as the artist’s family worked for the monarchy for generations and Shah’s father was a paper manufacturer for the government.

The artworks on display are key in Shah’s practice – they are the only ones that incorporate collage and portraiture, as well as drawing and painting on newspaper. Royal Massacre Series is the first body of work by a Nepali artist to enter Tate’s collection.