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A passion for the arts
SEP 05 -
Born in 1962 in Jagmai, Ilam, Shanta Kumar Rai is one of the most recognised artists of Nepal. Since his childhood, he has been pursuing his dream of becoming a career-artist. Rai has a rich knowledge and eloquent style in his paintings, which carry a diverse and distinct style. “I was attracted by the unconventional beauty of Ilam; its natural beauty just touched and inspired me,” Rai says.
In 1998, Rai acquired his degree in fine arts from Lalit Kala Campus and then, he was initiated and trained by the renowned modern artist Lain Singh Bangdel. Rai quickly mastered the details of painting and its skills. His career as an active and successful artist has spanned more than three decades, the fruit of several years of long, arduous and dedicated hard work and training. Rai made his debut in 1981, in a group exhibition at the Nepal-India Cultural Center, Kathmandu. Since then, he has been energetically participating in various other group shows. A different side to him could be seen in the second Jana Andolan, when he actively participated and set up painting workshops and exhibitions that made people aware of the movement’s aims.
Though Rai has participated in numerous group exhibitions, he has not had any solo exhibitions. “I believe that it is easier to work in group shows. I love the atmosphere. I still believe that I am not proficient enough to showcase a solo exhibition.”
Being a passionate nature lover, Rai loves to capture its beauty on his canvas. He has done a lot of work based on landscapes and gives them a unique touch by a blend of colours. He also adores working on figurative themes; currently, he has been working on the lifestyle of Nepali women. “I am trying to portray the day-to-day life of Nepali women and their love, passion and dreams. I have also used birds as a symbol of communication,” he says.
Like every other artist in Nepal, Rai too considers that lack of proper art education and motivation is degrading Nepali art and culture. He says, “In the past, Nepali art and culture was very refine. We had some of the best artists, and though we still have some great ones, lack of inspiration has not allowed Nepali art to create a niche for itself.”
Rai says he is looking forward to draw many more paintings in the coming years, and is also planning on a first solo exhibition next year. He hasn’t really thought any particular theme for that, though. But we can imagine that his work reflect his unique sensibility. After all, here is a man whose works are hung on the walls of the Prime Minister’s residence as well as at the residence of the Chief Minister of Sikkim, India.
Despite the fact that Nepali art lacks international platform for newcomers, Nepal is rich in talented artists who have acquired a top position in our society. Rai’s dedication towards his work has made him achieve what every young artist always desires for.
Posted on: 2010-09-06 07:51
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