The exhibition, which is being held at the Siddhartha Art Gallery, Baber Mahal Revisited, Kathmandu was inaugurated by Swiss ambassador to Nepal Thomas Gass on Sunday.[break]
In a short speech during the inauguration he spoke passionately about the importance of platform as such for the preservation of art and heritage.
Also a textile designer, Suman has blended aesthetics of traditional Mithila art and new elements that touch from politics, landmarks such as Eiffel tower, and leaning tower of Pisa to images of the Buddha in a rich tapestry of intricate Mithila paintings, which remind of detailed Thangka paintings.
“Despite his modern take on ancient Mithila art, Suman’s approach is contemporary and crafts his own painting tools and prepares his own colors,” shared Sangeeta Thapa, art curator at Siddhartha Art Gallery.
Commenting on the new methods that the artist has incorporated in the traditional Mithila paintings, well-known columnist C K Lal said, “Dynamism in tradition is possible and it can be observed in these paintings.”
“Although Buddha’s imagery is not a common iconography in Mithila work, I have incorporated the icon of peace into couple of my paintings as he is one of the ten avatars,” said the artist hinting the peace and harmony is what the people want.
“No Divisions”, one of his paintings dwells on the need for unity in a country that faces impending political and ethnic fragmentation.
“I believe the paintings are reasonably priced and I rather have local patrons buy my work,” said the artist whose collection of 61 pieces will grace the walls of the gallery.
The exhibition will continue till April 5.
Related story
Promoting Mithila Art
