Whereas painters Mukesh Malla, Gopak Kalapremi Shrestha, Manish Lal Shrestha, Saroj Bajracharya, Sheelasha Rajbahndari, Sundar Lama and Hitman Gurung exhibited their paintings, Ashesh Malla with his theater group Sarwanam presented a play, focusing on the theme of Rato Machhendranath Jatra. [break]
According to art critic and painter Mukesh Malla, the research coordinator for the project, contemporary Nepali art has come a long way with varied western philosophies, techniques and art tendencies integrated into our art history.
However, he said, “It is important that we preserve our Nepali essence.
This project is an attempt to give continuity to our culture along the modernity in our art forms.”
“The collaborators in the project were involved in research, visits and discussions for deeper understanding of the current theme of Rato Machhendranath for months,” informed Saroj Bajracharya, project coordinator.
The images of the idol, eyes, chariot wheels of Machhendranath and the concept of rain god are some common motifs used in the artworks of the artists.
Manish Lal Shrestha’s life-size installation and painting, entitled “Rato Machhendranath is a Pop art” focuses on the huge celebration and popular culture that the jatra stands for. With the glowing aluminum wheel and the paintings, the two pieces reflect and compliment each other well.
Hitman Gurung’s string of smaller paintings that united as a part of one entire work titled “Our burning desire for water” stands out in the exhibition.
Painting over the photo prints using mostly red and streaks of flowing blue lines, the artist relates the fable of the rain god with modern water tanks or simply the thirst of a crowd.
Even though the artists were working on a common theme, each of their work was distinct with their individual interpretation, style and expression.
“We’ll soon come out with a book on the research and art process we went through for the project on the theme of Rato Machhendranath,” said Malla, “This marks as our first theme to work on the concept of merging culture with modernity in artworks and we plan to continue with the concept for other art projects in the future.”
The exhibition will continue till March 26.
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