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VOL. 27, NO. 45, July25 , 2008 (Shrawan 10 2065 B.S.)
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MITHILA ART
Unique Forms
Mithila Art has a traditional glory and importance in Nepalese context
By A CORRESSPONDENT
Mithila Art has a long history and glory in Nepal. Although it is the oldest form of folk arts in the world, it is yet to get due place in the world's art arena. In recent years, many efforts have been made to make it popular but it is still in early stage.
With an aim to promote and popularize Mithila art, a group of people have recently formed Mithila Artists Society. Unlike other folk arts, Mithila art has its own unique form of representing its subject and the whole way of presenting the creation.
From diversification of subjects to the use of various colors, Mithila art maintains its traditions and themes evolved in the Mithila Pradesh ranging from east of Bagmati up to Kosi region of east in Nepal and larger parts in the Indian state of Bihar.
From festivals to social and other rituals, people living in Mithila region practiced these traditional forms of arts. People have their original way of thinking which is based on the local legends and traditions.
At a time when Mithila art has been establishing itself as important folk arts of Nepal, a group of Mithila artists organized a first group Mithila art at a gallery in Thamel. As a large number of visitors visited the exhibition, the artists were very enthusiastic.
Although Nepal's culture and traditions evolved around Kathmandu valley for centuries, Mithila art and culture has always been a part of it. From Lichhivi to Malla and all other rulers' period, there have been so many influence of Mithila art in local life and culture.
The pieces in this exhibition have been created using various media from oil to acrylic and form canvas to silk. As every other Mithila art, the subject matters range from the daily life of people to special occasions like marriages; there are also a couple of creations depicting particular scenes from the Ramayana.
From red to green and blue and white, the artists have used all kinds of colors. The artists use varieties of colors to depict their themes. They have used vibrant colours in sharp contrast to each other.
Mithila art is said to have evolved since the time of king Janak after whose name comes the name of the place Janakpur. This place is also birth place of Sita, the consort of Lord Rama. Naturally, various legends of Ramayana dominate the theme of Mithila arts and paintings.
Inaugurated on July 18, the exhibition will be on till July 25
