A powerful and provocative new exhibition by artist Manish Harijan, Untouchable Utopia, opens at The Art House in Wakefield.

Originally from Nepal and now based in Sheffield, Harijan presents a striking series of new and recent works that challenge societal traditions, hierarchies, and religious structures. T

Through vibrant paintings and bold sculptures inspired by Pop Art, the artist confronts issues of caste discrimination and global injustice, amplifying the struggles faced by marginalised communities worldwide.

Harijan’s deeply personal practice is shaped by his own experiences as the son of a shoemaker from Nepal’s historically oppressed “Dalit” caste. His work reflects a lived reality of systemic exclusion and resistance, transforming these narratives into powerful artistic statements.

In 2012, Harijan’s debut solo exhibition in Nepal sparked controversy when he reimagined Hindu deities as superheroes, resulting in violent backlash. The exhibition was shut down on opening night, and the artist faced death threats and legal action, forcing him to flee Nepal for safety in the UK.

Since then, Harijan has continued to develop his practice, earning a degree from Sheffield Hallam University and using his art to advocate for the voices of those who are vulnerable, stateless, or enduring systemic injustice.

Blending Eastern and Western aesthetics, Untouchable Utopia weaves Nepalese folklore with contemporary cultural references and universal class struggles. Drawing inspiration from Pop art, Harijan’s paintings reimagine everyday manual labourers as heroic, empowered figures, challenging historical narratives and offering new perspectives on caste and class.

His work is a bold reassertion of dignity, power, and resilience. Untouchable Utopia invites audiences to reflect on their own place in society and consider how art can challenge and reshape the world around us. This timely and compelling exhibition serves as both a personal testimony and a call to action, urging us to envision a more just and inclusive future.

Untouchable Utopia is on exhibition unitl 24 April 2025 at The Art House, Wakefield. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 9.30am-4pm. Admission is free. More information can be found here.