I. Nepal
“The draughtsmanship is masterly and reminds one of the great still life painters of the 16th and 17th centuries. Each drawing, either plain or subtly coloured, succeeds to be a flawless ethnographic document and at the same time a highly refined work of art.”
– Claude Levi-Strauss
“Powell’s drawings and paintings…can take imaginary viewpoints. This makes drawings capable of conceptual idealization and abstraction; of visually presenting symbolical signification; of depicting reality beyond realism; of transcending…”
– Michael Oppitz
The Kathmandu Valley was where Robert Powell seized the opportunity to familiarise himself with the Newa brick, wood and plaster architecture associated with this area. This immersion allowed Rob to recognise that temples and residences follow traditional outlines and incorporate sacred proportions within their design. On a deeper level, these physical forms also generate a feeling that resonates with the community, professionals, and visitors. Rob chose red pigment watercolours to depict the रातो माटो brick and tile work, while browns, creams and greys proved highly effective for illustrating how time tempers wood, plaster and stone.
