The Art House is thrilled to present Untouchable Utopia, a powerful new exhibition by Manish Harijan. Originally from Nepal and now living in Sheffield, Harijan showcases a bold collection of paintings and sculptures that reflect his artistic vision and dedication to social change.
Harijan’s work challenges societal traditions, hierarchies, and religious structures, highlighting the struggles faced by minority communities worldwide. His practice addresses the ongoing issue of caste discrimination. As the son of a shoemaker from Nepal’s so-called lower “Dalit” caste, Harijan uses his art to highlight and act against injustice.
In 2012, Harijan was forced to flee Nepal after facing violent backlash from his first solo exhibition, which reimagined Hindu deities as superheroes. The show was shut down on opening night for religious reasons, and Harijan received death threats and faced legal action. This experience led him to seek refuge in the UK and continue his studies at Sheffield Hallam University. Through his work, he aims to amplify the voices of marginalised communities, including those who are vulnerable, stateless, or facing injustice.
Harijan’s paintings often present darker-skinned, male and female manual labourers as heroic, empowered figures – icons or central characters from a graphic novel. Drawing inspiration from Pop art, Harijan’s dramatic reimagining of everyday labourers challenges historical narratives and offers a new perspective on caste systems and class struggles.
Blending Eastern and Western aesthetics, Harijan’s work weaves together Nepalese folklore with universal cultural references, and fairy tales with modern realities. By drawing on pop culture, religious imagery, and classical art, he transforms his subjects into symbols of power and resilience.
The artist invites us to question how individual stories are linked to larger collective struggles worldwide and asks us to consider our place in society and how we can all contribute to making it better. This exhibition offers not only a deeper understanding of Harijan’s personal story but a timely reflection on the power of art to challenge and reshape the world around us.
See Exhibition Access details at the bottom of this page
Join us for a celebratory event and drinks reception on Wednesday 26 March from 17:00-20:00
Images: Courtesy of New Art Exchange. Photos: Tom Morley
Image: Courtesy of the Artist
ACCESS
This exhibition is featured in the Main Gallery.
-The Main Gallery is well-lit.
-The gallery is Guide and Support dog-friendly (We ask that dogs be kept on leads).
-The room has level access, and allows space for wheelchair/mobility aid/pushchair users or people with Guide dogs to pass comfortably.
-The exhibition includes Audio, Braille, Easier Read and Dyslexia-friendly interpretations.
-Sensory ear defenders are available for use during your visit, and can be picked up at the front desk.
We also offer exhibition private views by appointment.
See our Access Page for more information