National 10 (Spotlight Weekly)

Showcase of Culture

Nepalese art-lovers discover the richness and diversity of Korean heritage

By A CORRESSPONDENT

A country known for its long history of art and culture, Korea instantly brings up images of creative abundance. Over the last year, art lovers in Kathmandu valley have had the opportunity of attending a couple of exhibitions showing the development of Korean art.

The unique tradition and characteristics of Korean paintings went on display in the capital this week. At an exhibition at the Nepal Art Council Gallery Hall, inaugurated by the Ambassador of Republic of Korea and prominent Nepalese artist Lain Singh Bangdel, 26 Korean artists showcased their works. The themes of the paintings ranged from the scenic wonders of nature to the cultural values of the country.

The exhibition, titled "Air of Korea", was jointly organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Nepal and the Korea Fashion and Culture Association. It also provided a rare opportunity for Nepalese art lovers to understand the new mediums of paintings. The artists used textile, paper, polyester and other mediums to depict various facets of nature and cultural life of their country. They used various tools to display their deep-seated feelings on and keen observations of their surroundings.

Since the artists were mostly those interested and involved in textiles and fashion, their works were also related to these sectors. Through a creative fusion of colors and imagination, the paintings succeeded in luring countless Nepalese eyes.

"Korean paintings have their own place in the world," said Bangdel, a former chancellor of the Royal Nepal Academy. "In terms of designing and method, the exhibition helps us to understand how Koreans have been mixing their traditional patterns of print making with modern technology," he added.

From traditional designs to modern versions, the paintings represented an array of substance and symbolism. Although 26 Korean artists painted the paintings, only 19 were present at the inauguration of the five-day exhibition. Besides it aesthetic value, the program was another commendable effort toward enhancing understanding between the peoples of Nepal and the Republic of Korea.

WORLD CUP 2002
Memorabilia Mirror

Nepalese football fans were able to see various facets of the World Cup on television over the past several weeks. Many Kathmanduites were also able to savor the spirit of the event from another vantage point. In association with the Nepal Football Fan Club (NFFC), the British Council organized an exhibition from May 26 to June 30, 2002, providing a special perspective on the quadrennial extravaganza.

Library visitors were able to watch matches at the council courtyard. Adding to the spirit, the premises were decorated with the dress and flags of football team of England, which lost the match with Brazil in the quarterfinal. The council also displayed cards, photographs, postcards, bags, stamps and pennants.
Also on display were national team jerseys, flags and equipment as well as a variety of football newspapers and magazines and World Cup-related books and brochures. Some Nepalese also presented football jersey signed by World Cup legend Pele.

Boots, balls and photographs of Nepalese players who participated in the qualifying round of the World Cup tournament were exhibited. Also on display were stamps showing the history of Nepal's participation in the World Cup.

The exhibition proved to be a useful opportunity for visitors to learn about the history of the World Cup and discover interesting facets of Nepalese participation in the tournament.