‘Modern Echoes of Mithila Tradition’ on display

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Nov. 19: A solo art exhibition by artist Manisha Shah titled ‘Modern Echoes of Mithila Tradition’, featuring paintings inspired by Mithila culture, is currently on display at Kathmandu Art House in Thamel.

Shah's debut solo exhibition started on Sunday.

Creative exploration of Nepali folk art has increasingly become the hallmark of Shah’s artistic practice.

A Master’s graduate in Creative Art from Nepal Fine Arts Campus, Shah continues to portray the landscapes, emotions, and surroundings of the Tarai region in her work.

Born in Sarlahi and raised in Janakpur, she naturally embodies the essence of Mithila culture.

Growing up amid the rituals, traditions, and environment of Mithila, she has consistently followed Mithila's artistic concepts while developing her own creative language.

 Although Mithila art is often perceived as a traditional form practised by rural women, she has presented 32 paintings in this exhibition, all created within the theoretical and cultural framework of Mithila art.

An artist who enjoys presenting Mithila art through various platforms, Shah has also experimented with incorporating Mithila themes into clothing and everyday consumer items.

 She believes it is her responsibility to encourage the younger generation, who are actively engaged in preserving traditional artistic practices.

Rather than viewing art as a hobby, she aims to pursue it professionally, with particular attention to elements of Mithila culture. She has explored peacock themes and sequences of women using acrylic and oil mediums.

In this exhibition, Shah has displayed paintings from three different series.

The first series explores Mithila wedding culture rituals, festivals, and the subtle cultural elements they contain. The harmony of colours and the intricate Mithila line work reflect her growing artistic maturity.

Themes such as the excitement of the bride, her welcome into a new home, and the emotions of beginning a new journey are expressed through bright and radiant colours.

The second series depicts the lives of Mithila women and themes connected to their daily routines.

The third series attempts to link aesthetic perception with feminine beauty, focusing particularly on the peacock theme, which stands out as one of the most intriguing aspects of this exhibition.

Seeking harmony between creativity and technology, Shah has also arranged soothing Mithila music in the exhibition hall, enhancing the experience for visitors and drawing them deeper into the atmosphere of Mithila culture.

Artist Shah, who is also active in teaching Mithila art and creating Mithila murals on walls, has announced that the exhibition will run until November 19.