Diverse Art Of Bagmati

As a young person, you are supposed to follow your elders and shoulder the repsonsibility of studies, but at the same time, try to think for yourself and succeed. This dichotomy is like a tree under stones and vines, yet still sustaining a bird's nest and flowers. Kaluram Tamang's work, Responsibility and Burden, has captured this idea so well. 

It transforms a seemingly worthless tree trunk into something of value, demonstrating how hardship can lead to renewal and growth. This peak of creative explosion is being revealed at the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), an institution eagerly awaiting the attention of art lovers like you! Among the stunning art pieces is a sculpture named Waiting by Dineshwor Mahato. The exhibition also presents the religious and cultural abundance of the Bagmati Province. 

As I entered deeper into the world of the Thangka painting, I could see pictures of Buddha, Kaal Bhairav, Harit Tara, Bajrabarahi, Manjushree, Avalokiteshvara, Kaal Chakra Mandala, Chepame, Bajrasatwa, Aagompas Lokeshwa, and many more. My eyes fell suddenly upon a wonderful sculpture of Buddha's Life Story by Suresh Lawat. Words cannot describe the mystery and effort that went into this masterpiece. 

It is as if all the goddesses and gods have come to life on the canvas of this show, enabling us to sense the presence of Ganesh, Bhairab, Buddha, Hanuman, Lakshmi, Kali, and many more—giving the entire space the air of a shrine. It is truly a pleasure for devotees of art to visit this shrine of fine art, where the "hanging hands" are waiting for your divine touch—Sparsa (performance art) is also being presented here.   

Moreover, this exhibition is not confined to a single sector; it includes various art forms, such as contemporary art, sculpture, architecture, folk art, handicrafts, traditional paintings, photography, caricature, installations, and cartoons, all reflecting the diverse culture of Bagmati Province. 

The contemporary art on display gives insight into the society of Bagmati Province, encapsulating stories of dreams within a common family, the struggles of women, the search for inner peace, the challenge of brain drain, fortitude, and the tranquil beauty of nature. 

The exposure of colours reveals the flash of history and spiritual content.   One piece by Kishor Nakarmi, Bhairav, particularly caught my attention. It depicts a fierce Bhairav, with flames of fire erupting from his mouth. 

The unique aspect of this piece is that the fire is burning social media apps like Messenger, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, and others. It felt as though Bhairav was using his flames to burn away the social issues that threaten our future, warning us of the dangers of misusing these platforms. This artwork perfectly balances tradition with the current social scenario.   There are also depictions of the tangled thoughts of humanity, expressed through abstract art. This form of art beautifully represents the coiled, doubt-filled thoughts we have about our own capabilities.   

In addition, there were cartoons that critiqued our lack of awareness regarding sensitive matters. Among many, one cartoon titled The Green Umbrella by Rabindra Manandhar struck me deeply. 

It depicted a man sitting on a chopped tree trunk in a barren, deforested land on a bright sunny day, holding a green umbrella and an axe—having just cut down all the natural umbrellas provided by Mother Nature. Upon reflection, I felt that the artist was criticising our carelessness toward the environment.   Photography also featured prominently, showcasing mesmerising landscapes of Nepal and the traditional lifestyle of the Nepali. In the field of installation and performance art, I encountered a new technique: fingerprint art, introduced by Rabindra Kumar Shrestha. 

His small canvas awaited the fingerprint of Kathmandu's mayor, Balen Shah, to turn it into an artistic collection. As we often say that each brushstroke tells a story, Binay Bahadur Rimal’s ceramic art also conveyed powerful narratives. 

His ceramic plates, titled Pariwartan Ko Aawaz (The Voice of Change), explored various stories about the nation's evolution, raising awareness about rights, politics, development, and discouraging brain drain.   

There was also a section dedicated to handicrafts, folk art, and architecture reflecting the Bagmati Province. This included intricate representations of Ankhi Jhyal, a Newari locality inside a glass bottle; Ajima Rath; Kastamandap; Nuwakot Durbar; Hiti; Boudhanath; Bhairab Mask; Swayambhunath; and more. 

These pieces beautifully captured the culture and history of the region in visual form.   This exhibition is a perfect destination for anyone wishing to explore the history, culture, religion, and social fabric of the entire province. It features works by artists who have embraced various artistic styles and movements, including abstract expressionism, activism, conceptual and performance art, alongside classic Nepali genres like landscape, portrait, and scenes of everyday life. 

The exhibition paints a vivid image of our communities while narrating the struggles they face and aspire to overcome, showcasing multicultural and multi-religious experiences. As you walk through the gallery, you will immerse yourself in the ethnicity and cultural richness of Bagmati Province.

(Gyawali is pursuing higher secondary education in science at Bernhardt Higher Secondary School.)