Kushal Bastakoti
Cityscape · Figurative · Abstract · FounderKushal Bastakoti was born in Pokhara, Nepal. He has spent the last seven years working out of Texas — building a body of work that moves fluidly between the American downtown and the Himalayan village. His cityscapes capture intersections in Dallas, Chicago, Boston, and New York with painter's precision. His figurative work honors the cultural traditions he grew up inside.
He founded Kush Art Gallery with one conviction: that serious modern art deserves a space built for serious collectors. The gallery hangs original works alongside a rotating private car collection.
— Kushal BastakotiFollowing the artistic vision of my father and grandfather, I strive to create a space where people can experience art beyond the surface—where cityscapes become portals, abstraction becomes emotion, and nudes become conversations. Art, for me, is not about dictating meaning but about offering an open space for exploration, where every stroke, color, and texture resonates uniquely with each person who encounters it.
Sensual Sexuality
NudesThis series explores the interplay of Hindu culture, nudity, and spirituality, contrasting ancient reverence for the human form with modern taboos. Using king and queen playing cards, nude figures are reimagined as symbols of power, freedom, and divine grace, challenging contemporary discomfort with the body.
Inspired by ancient temple carvings like the "tundal" beams, which celebrated nudity as sacred and vital, the works bridge past and present. By presenting nude figures as regal icons, the series invites a reevaluation of cultural attitudes, reconnecting with a tradition where the sacred and sensual coexisted in celebration of the human form.
Beyond the Strokes
AbstractAbstract, for me, represents the essence of freedom—freedom of color, movement, and interpretation. Each piece is an organic exploration of form and texture, created beyond the confines of traditional brushstrokes. I embrace spontaneity and intuition, allowing the interplay of color, shape, and gesture to guide the creative process. Instead of prescribing meaning, I focus on contrast, layered textures, and dynamic compositions that provoke thought and emotion. While each work originates from a deeply personal vision, its ultimate meaning is left open, allowing the viewer's perspective to shape the narrative.
I don't paint a city. I paint the moment a city becomes itself.— Kushal Bastakoti
Following the Dreams
CityscapesThis series goes beyond depictions of urban landmarks, reflecting transformation, aspiration, and resilience. Each piece highlights the connection between people and the structures they create, portraying the relentless energy and determination that drive urban life—especially the memorable marks cities and people leave on one another.
It is a tribute to cities as dynamic, evolving entities shaped by human ambition. I strive to present cities not merely as collections of buildings but as living stories of human effort and aspiration, inviting viewers to reflect on their own connection to these dynamic environments.
From the studio. To the wall.
2013 to present.
- 18Solo exhibitions
- 4International exhibitionsSouth Korea, Nepal, and more
- 64Juried shows
Selected exhibitions
A working archive of the shows in which Kushal's work has appeared, from his founding of Kush Art Gallery to his current practice.
Following The Dream
Show #10 · Kush Art Gallery, Fort Worth
After Hours
Show #09 · Kush Art Gallery, Fort Worth
Undefined
Show #08 · Kush Art Gallery, Fort Worth
Heat Strokes
Show #07 · Kush Art Gallery, Fort Worth
Infinite Forms
Show #06 · Kush Art Gallery, Fort Worth
04 Collection
Show #05 · Kush Art Gallery, Fort Worth
Landscapes in Bloom
Show #04 · Kush Art Gallery, Fort Worth
Blushed and Bare
Show #03 · Kush Art Gallery, Fort Worth
Beyond the Strokes
Show #02 · Kush Art Gallery, Fort Worth
Opening Reception
Show #01 · Kush Art Gallery, Fort Worth
Acquire a piece. Or commission one.
Kushal accepts a small number of custom commissions each year — from intimate portraiture to large-scale cityscapes. Let's start a conversation.