NATIONAL11 [ (Spotlight Weelky)]

Picturesque Marvels

The photographs of Kim Hong Sung and Mani Lama capture the realities of life in multiple hues

By A CORRESSPONDENT

Mani Lama and Kim Hong Sung have reaffirmed the adage that a photograph speaks a thousand words. One of Nepal's prominent photographers, Lama has established a reputation for focusing his camera tightly to seize various facets of people, places and perspectives for posterity.

In his latest exhibition, Lama displayed a rich array of photographs taken over various periods. Where he excels is in capturing the colorful faces of the people. During festive occasions and seemingly dreary days alike, Lama loses little time in taking colorful pictures.

Lama's Photo : Colorful

One can see a perfect combination of creativity and imagination in the photographs of Lama. Whether taken for United Nations agencies or for his own collection, Lama concentrates on bringing often buried realities of society to the fore.

Born in Kathmandu, Lama is a graduate from Fresno State University with a degree in agriculture. He studied photography in Merced College, California. He has created more than 300 kinds of postcards, greeting cards and posters consist of photographs taken in Tibet and Nepal.

The inspiration he gets from the natural red color stood out in the show. The color red is an integral part of Nepali culture, found in religion, celebrations and in the clothes people wear. For photographers, this provides an opportunity to add vibrancy to their work.

Organized by Siddhartha Art Gallery, the exhibition is full of a rich diversity of photographs. Most of the photographs are based on colorful settings of different kinds. One can see the photographs embodying pain, happiness and other feelings of life. From subjects of spiritual importance to the beauty of nature, Lama's collection spans an unusually enriching range.

In "Mataji Meditator", Lama combines light and color settings in such a powerful way that even the most minute details are covered well. As the title, the "People and Red Series", suggests, Lama's show is full of stories of people from different parts of the country. From children to the elderly and from youths to middle-aged men and women, Lama tries to explain the realities of life in various parts of Nepal.

At the same exhibition, Korean photographer Kim Hong Sung, in his "Wind Horse Series", encapsulates the cultural and religious elements of the Buddhist culture of the Himalayan region. Kim, who has long been associated with photography, first visited Nepal in 1991. The Himalayas instantly touched his heart and mind, inspiring him to living here since 1996.

In his series, Kim tries to explain the Lungta, a Tibetan Buddhist flag raised on a village hill or on houses or temple grounds to ward off evil. He offers a powerful message to other communities about the importance of the Lungta flag.

He displays various kinds of Lungta raised by people seeking blessings and good fortune. He uses various techniques and tools to capture the Lungata cloth, which is printed using wood blocks on which Buddha's teachings are carved in Tibetan.

Kim seems to be very concerned with the spiritual values inherent in the Lungata. The shape of the flags resembles that of a horse reared up on two legs and whose name is blowing in the wind. As the Lungta flutters, its filters the wind that blows from Himalayas.

The photographs on display entice viewers to embark on a spiritual journey they will long cherish.