Metro»
Portraying Nepali art in progression
MAY 01 -
International styles of art invaded Nepal and started sharing space with traditional art and craft during the time of the Ranas. Since then, Nepali artists have practised and experimented with various styles. They have tried to fuse traditional with adopted styles, which has led to a gradual growth of newer forms. More than half a century has passed since and the growth of Nepali art through time can be clearly experienced in the ongoing art exhibition: A Passage Through The Years (1965-2010).
Jointly organised by Lalit Kala Campus, Tribhuvan University and Siddhartha Art Gallery, the collection of paintings and sculptures include artworks of Lalit Kala Faculty members and of other recognised guest artists of Nepal. Works of legendary Nepali artists namely Late D.B. Chitrakar, Late Amar Chitrakar and Late Tej Bahadur Chitrakar are on display.
This exhibition features works of legends from the earlier generation, contemporary eminent artists and some promising younger ones. There are about a hundred paintings which include landscapes, portraits, figurative abstracts, and non-figurative abstracts. Through this exhibition one can see the progress Nepali art has made in terms of style, concept and individualism.
Among the many interesting paintings, a painting by Urmila Upadhyaya, done in Paris during the mid 60s, is a remarkable one and holds great historic significance. The self-portrait by Tej Bahadur Chitrakar, done in oil, has a very warm feeling to it and is probably one of the oldest self portraits done by a Nepali artist.
The exhibition intends to provide 20% of the proceeds for the establishment of a well equipped Resource Center at the Lalit Kala Campus. This exhibition also marks the celebration of the opening of the highly anticipated Masters level at the Campus.
Co-organiser Lalit Kala Campus was established in 1934. It functioned only as a technical skill training institute under the name Juddha Kala Pathshala, until it was taken over by the Education Ministry and named Lalit Kala Campus (Fine Art Campus) in 1973. Since then it has played an active role in producing many competent artists in Nepal. Until recently, the Campus, which is located in Bhotahiti provided Intermediate and Bachelors level courses in painting, sculpture and music. Masters level was introduced last year, taught in the premises of the Tribhuvan University at Kirtipur.
A total of 200 people visited the gallery on the opening day. “It was a good turnout. We don’t have decent sales account as yet, but the opening went quite well,” said Sangeeta Thapa, art curator and co-organiser of the exhibition. “We were facing problems owing to the political instability but I’m just glad that the event took place smoothly.”
“Rameshwar Baniya, a social worker donated forty books for the library on the opening day. This is a very positive response, “said Raju Manandhar, Campus Chief of Lalit Kala.”Some international buyers have also shown a keen interest in some of the paintings.”
The exhibition did have some organising flaws for which the country’s situation is to be blamed. Otherwise, it is a handsome effort of the organisers to be able come up with such a grand collection of art. This exhibition is organised for a good cause and it also bears historic importance. The exhibition was inaugurated by Minister for Cultural Affairs Minendra Rijal on April 29 at the Nepal Art Council, Babarmahal.
A Passage Through The Years is a must see for all who want to experience the gradual progress of art in Nepal. The exhibition will continue till May 15.
Posted on: 2010-05-02 09:19
Headlines
Advertisements
