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VOL. 27, NO. 40, June 20 , 2008 (Ashadh 06 2065 B.S.)
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EXHIBITION
Four Artists And A Canvas
Artists from Nepal, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan have attempted to express their feelings about Kathmandu
By A CORRESPONDENT
From religious sites to festivals and diversity of people and complexity of politics, Nepal's capital Kathmandu has every thing to boast. Surrounded by big mountains, the valley also offers the panoramic view of the Himalayas to its north.
As the population grew, the city is gradually becoming overcrowded and the increased human activities have turned this city into a melting pot. With the higher degree of air pollution and stinking garbage, the centuries-old city is now losing its identity.
This is what South Asian artists have tried to project. A recent graduate of Indian University Badoda, Indian artist Ranjan Kumar Ghosh came to Nepal five weeks ago to take part in a seminar. In his seminar, Ghosh painted very interesting art of Kathmandu.
Pasted in the wall of Nepal Art Council Gallery in Babarmahal, Ghosh's painting is an abstract one showing how politicians are politicizing the unmanaged urbanization of Kathmandu. He draws a picture of Hanuman (monkey god) who is trying to preserve the greenery of Kathmandu but airplane is overtaking him. Similarly, roots are fighting in the street of Kathmandu.
Unaware of all these activities, people of Kathmandu are walking freely without noticing anything around them. "Urbanites are so busy that they cannot perceive what has been happening around them," said artist Ghosh.
Similarly, Sheher Navid, an artist from Pakistan, has different things to tell about Kathmandu. In her painting, she draws narrow lanes and alleys of Kathmandu. The map of the city shows how unorganized and unmanageable the city is.
"This map shows the complexities of human life and structures of the state," said Navid.
"This is a reflection of myth and contradiction," added Navid who uses colors of different kinds to express her feelings.
Another artist from Bangladesh Nagman Nahar seemed to be more interested in the political events taking place in Nepal in the last five weeks. From declaration of republic to election for CA and rise of red flag, Bangladeshi artist is captivated by the events.
"We have encountered major political upheavals during our five weeks stay in Nepal. They were very unique and historic for me. This is the reason my whole theme confined to that events," said Nahar.
"Look at an old man who is watching the change in the society and his political system. In my picture, I draw a picture of old man who is searching where the Republic is. He is yet to find it," said the artist. In her canvas, she also adds local cloth known as Dhaka.
Manju Syaula, Jayashanker and Sun Shrestha took part in the show from Nepal. Manju Syaula painted on a theme of religion and desires of human being. However, Jayashanker painted the world.
