NATIONAL8 (Spotlight Weekly]

Intriguing Art

Works by Finnish artists on display at Siddhartha Art Gallery

By ARUNA SINGH PRADHAN

Babar Mahal revisited, a place where if you go once you are sure to revisit. This building structure reflect a tasteful blend of European and Nepalese architecture.

This building was constructed by revamping the old Rana palace and giving it a new look. At a time when the concrete buildings built around the capital valley have become more of an eyesore as they are against the rich and ancient Nepalese aesthetics in architecture, the Babar Mahal Revisited provides a breath of fresh air.

Here the smell of sandalwood incense and classical music lead you through numerous authentic courtyards to Siddhartha Art Gallery.

An art depicting a child : Touching expression

Located in this 19th century Rana style building that also has the Thamel-like atmosphere with lots of foreigners visiting, Siddhartha art gallery holds a monthly exhibition of artwork by different talented artists -- both young and old, established and struggling.

The gallery also regularly holds exhibition of works by artists from overseas.

For the month of October it presented a unique collection of modern artworks from Finland. The artists are Umppa Niinivaara, Marita Mikkonen and Marjo Yli Antola. Some 28 intriguing artworks were exhibited here till the 31st October 2000.

Each artist have contributed their unique styles to the collection. They range from colorful pastel artwork of animals to heavy aluminum casts. Mixed media prints, Lithograph and Van Dyke brown prints are other media used by the artists.

The eight Van Dyke brown prints by Marjo Yli-Antola demand your attention with its interesting subject matter. With titles like "Gathering strength", "Heritage II" and "Point Blank", it expresses different moods. At the same time they allow space for the viewer to interpret the meaning of the artwork as they wish.

The exhibition was a unique opportunity to people to examine the style of arts of Finland. Nepalese artists, too, can learn a few things about the contemporary arts in Scandinavia from the exhibition.

The gallery gives opportunity for Nepalese as well as foreigners to experience the variety in art. "The whole idea is to exhibit new ideas and contemporary trends," said Sangita Thapa, the manager of the gallery.

She invites Nepalese and foreign artists every month. Most of the artists are well established. However, she also gives exposure to amateur artists.

In the years she has worked for the gallery she has seen changes in the way Nepalese think about art. From indifference to interest, she has witnessed remarkable change in the manner the people now behave towards art and artists.

"Fourteen years ago people didn't value artwork as much. They would rather buy gold jewelry and electrical appliance instead. But today people want a good piece of artwork to hang above their sofa and are willing to pay the price for it," said Thapa.

This kind of shift in the behavior of Nepalese people will definitely go a long way in encouraging Nepalese artists and developing professionalism among them. This sure is a good sign for the Nepalese artists who otherwise have to face a daunting task to live off their works.

Siddhartha art gallery's future exhibition includes that by popular western artist Andy Warhol's friend. He will be there to talk about the revolution of 1960. He will present video and slide-show on Warhol's impact on pop art and music.