Dressed in a white daura-suruwal, 66-year-old Jimmy Thapa (pic, right) looks radiant as he sits down to explain his painting. Seeing him now, it is hard to imagine him as the former purveyor of ‘Jimmy’s Wagon’, a hashish outlet on Freak Street in the 70s.
Now a family man, Jimmy, born Saraj Prakash Thapa thinks himself a poet and healer. He has shed the long black locks and oversized glasses. His day begins at 1.30 am when he follows the planets through the sky until daybreak. “I worship the planets and gods each night, which act as a foundation for my latest works,” says Jimmy.
Born in 1947 in Lumbini, Jimmy originally wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and join the army. However, the Freak Street motto ‘Each man is a universe’ influenced him greatly. It sent him off exploring the world and the complexities of his spirit. “Like a yogi, I wanted to know myself and find out how I can heal myself and the world,” he explains.
If there is a common thread in Jimmy’s work it is the level of intimacy with the subject. His drawing of Boudha Stupa, featuring soft pastel colours, was made during Chyaloh, a festival that takes place every 12 years. Each of his paintings is produced on-site, often under the curious gaze of devotees.
Recently one of his admirers, Prabod Shrestha, opened a shop opposite Hotel Greenwich Village in Sanepa, where the works are displayed. Jimmy never participated in the regular art scene; his paintings are shown exclusively in bahals.
Jimmy’s latest work is deeply personal and shows his concern about the world at large. He adds personal notes to his drawings and how they impact world events. A note next to the image of a Vajrasattva, a bodhisattva, with his consort reads: “At this auspicious moment I appeal for women’s liberation. I feel shame to my masculinity when I see the world news.”
Among his latest creations are a series of drawings of animals. One of them shows a group of bulls worshipping Pashupatinath, lord of the animals (pic, below). The animal lover recently adopted a mother dog and her nine puppies and has been making sure that all the canines in his neighbourhood are sterilised and vaccinated.
Says Jimmy: “I appeal to the world to save trees and treat animals with respect. Nature nurtures and purifies, while mankind destroys and pollutes. But we can live with hope; the truth will win in the end.”