BK's arts tell stories of oppressed people

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 25: A solo painting exhibition titled Saha-Astitwa (Co-existence) by artist Rajkumar BK concluded on Tuesday.

The exhibition was organised at the Chandraman Singh Maskey Hall of the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts in Naxal on March 21. The exhibition was held in collaboration with the Lumbini Province Coordination Committee of the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, marking the 61st International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. 

Artist BK vividly brought to life the stories and experiences of exploited and oppressed communities on canvas using colours and brushes, thereby raising themes of labour consciousness, social awareness, and awakening.

He focused on issues of oppressed communities and incorporated themes of social awareness and consciousness in his creations. "My artworks mainly focus on the Dalit community's struggle and aesthetics," he said.

According to the Chancellor of the Fine Arts Academy, Naradmani Hartamchhali, artist BK has expressed themes against untouchability through his art. "Artist BK has been creating message-oriented paintings that convey experiential feelings against discrimination and has linked them with a campaign for social awareness," he said.

He further added that artist BK has adopted discrimination as his core content concept and has initiated an artistic movement of resistance aimed at socio-cultural transformation through craftsmanship in his works.

According to the member secretary of the Academy, Devendra Thumkeli, BK’s artworks reflect originality while portraying nature, culture, and society.

Head of the Craft and Handicraft Department, Aruna Hingmang, remarked that an exhibition that began on the occasion of the 61st International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination plays an important role in promoting coexistence and equality in society.

According to Dineshwar Mahato, head of the Sculpture Department, artist BK has raised issues of marginalised communities in Nepali society through art as part of an awareness campaign. "This exhibition holds special significance in terms of social consciousness," he said.

Former Secretary Dr. Man Bahadur BK emphasised that such efforts by artists should be regarded as important initiatives. "Rajkumar's artworks is spendid," he said. "It can play a powerful role in changing conformism," he said.

The exhibition featured 35 significant artworks depicting Dalit struggles and aesthetics.