Yadav’s art explores visual journey of Mithila-Madhes

By A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu, May 29: A solo exhibition of paintings titled From Siraha to Kathmandu by artist Hare Ram Yadav opened at Kathmandu Art Gallery, Babar Mahal Revisited, in Kathmandu, on Wednesday.

The exhibition was jointly inaugurated by eminent artist S.C. Suman and Justin Zhao, Director of the Himalayan Light Art Award. Artist Yadav is the recipient of the Himalayan Light Foundation Art Award 2024 and the National Fine Art Award 2021.

Founder of Siddhartha Art Gallery, Sangita Thapa, Maithili literary writer Dhirendra Premarshi, Mithila artist Ranju Yadav, Shyam Sundar Yadav, Hari Om Mehta and Subhadri Subha were also present at the inauguration ceremony. 

Born in Siraha district, Yadav has emerged as one of the prominent contemporary artists working in the Mithila tradition. Through his paintings, he attempts to connect the ancient folk-art practices of the Mithila region with present-day social and cultural realities.

The exhibition presents a visual journey of Mithila-Madhes life, rituals and spiritual traditions. Paintings inspired by Chhath Puja, Govardhan Puja, Sama-Chakeba, Jhijhiya dance and Maithil marriage traditions formed the core of the collection. The artworks depict the rhythm of rural Mithila-Madhesh life, while also exploring the symbolic and spiritual dimensions of Mithila culture.

According to the gallery statement, the Mithila art existed for centuries on the clay walls and floors of homes before gradually moving to paper and canvas after social and cultural transformations in the region. Yadav’s works reflect this transition and seek to preserve the living memory of Mithila civilisation through contemporary artistic expression.

The exhibition also highlights objects and symbols deeply rooted in rural life, including the dheki, earthen stove, oxen, Nag Panchami motifs and folk deities such as Lok Devta Salhesh. These symbols are portrayed not merely as decorative elements but as representations of collective memory, agricultural life and spiritual belief systems.

Artist Yadav said the Mithila art carries a history of more than 5,000 years and remains closely connected to the daily life, rituals and identity of the people of Mithila spread across Nepal and India. He noted that his artworks attempt to express cultural consciousness, sensitivity and spiritual values at a time when traditional practices are gradually weakening in modern society.

The exhibition bridges the artist’s rural roots in Siraha with Kathmandu’s contemporary art space, creating a dialogue between inherited folk traditions and modern fine arts practice.

The exhibition will remain open daily at the gallery from Sunday to Friday between 11 am and 5 pm, and on Saturdays from 12 noon to 5 pm.