Siddiqui excels in mural art

By Baburam Karki,Sunsari, Apr. 19: Samim Siddiqui, 44, from Bhokraha Narsingh-2, Sunsari, has established himself in the field of wall painting by decorating the walls of homes, public spaces, and traditional rest houses with his hand-drawn art.

While many skilled artists are turning away from this craft due to the rise of digital technology in writing and painting, Siddiqui has continued to pursue wall painting as his profession and source of income.

Carrying a small handbag filled with pencils, scales, paints, and brushes, Siddiqui’s daily routine begins as soon as he reaches his work site.

 He has spent 27 years imagining, drawing, and colouring custom lettering and artwork as per client orders. Since the age of 17, Siddiqui has been engaged in wall lettering and painting, and he said he has sustained himself and his family entirely through this craft.

With the advent of digital technology, the traditional art of hand-painting beautiful murals on walls is gradually disappearing. The practice of drawing and lettering on walls of homes, temples, schools, offices, and other public places has largely been replaced by digital flex printing.

Siddiqui said that the demand for handwritten banners and murals, which used to be high during events like weddings and coming-of-age ceremonies, has decreased.

 “Earlier, I used to be busy all night working on walls and cloth banners," he said, "Though there is still work, it’s not like before."

Siddiqui’s artworks have adorned walls from eastern Nepal to the capital, Kathmandu.

His creations are particularly popular in eastern Nepal, where his paintings are often seen on classroom walls and school buildings.

Although wall art is fading, those still involved in this field believe it retains its significance.

Siddiqui said that while he might no longer be as busy as he once was, there is still demand for hand-drawn art and lettering.

He proudly said that he has never returned home empty-handed since entering this profession. According to his assistant Shibu Ghimire, Siddiqui has even employed others.

Despite only studying up to school level, Siddiqui said his skills have ensured he never had to sit idle.

He still receives the highest number of work requests from schools. His dedication and honest approach to his craft have helped him sustain his career, said Pushparaj Bista from Ramdhuni.

Siddiqui believes that because the tradition of hand-painted wall art is disappearing, he is also contributing to preserving this heritage by training young people and providing them employment.

He said that in the past, both in villages and cities, there were many artists. But now, due to the shift towards digital methods, even in urban areas, the number of wall artists has declined.

While digital tools may offer speed, Siddiqui believes they prevent the younger generation from realising and expressing their true talent.