KATHMANDU

The Kala Salon in Thamel is currently the epicentre of artistic discourse in the Valley as it hosts two thought-provoking exhibitions, 'Foraging Chroma' by Meena Gurung, and 'From Zero to Sunya' by Cinzia, which commenced on March 10.

Foraging Chroma is a visual narrative by artist Gurung, who, as the founder of Bora Studio, is celebrated for her sustainable fashion initiatives and ethical practices.

The exhibition is a vivid reflection of nature's palette, with 60 pieces adorning the ground floor of the gallery. Gurung's collection is a testament to the vibrant hues she unearths through foraging. Each piece is a story woven in colour, creating a visual symphony.

The artworks, crafted from silk, cotton, and nylon, undergo a transformation through botanical printing and natural dyeing, employing plant-based dyes indigenous to Nepal's flora. Gurung's pieces are not just an art, they are narratives of sustainability, echoing the art world's growing consciousness towards ecological balance in Nepal.

A standout piece is raw silk imprinted with madder roots and leaves from Chimtoshwor, Nuwakot. The madder's natural dye imparts a rich blood-red hue to the silk, forming intricate leaf and stem patterns.

This piece, akin to a muffler, suggests an embrace with nature, a fusion of art and wearer. Gurung said, 'Natural dyes like those from madder roots are biodegradable and non-polluting, aligning with my commitment to art that respects the environment and promotes ecological balance. It's a way to connect with the past while also ensuring that these methods continue to have relevance in the present and future.'

Another artwork features raw silk printed with an array of botanicals from Chitwan - malati, cosmos, hibiscus, peepal, and marigold - each bringing its unique hue to the fabric, immortalising the flora in a tapestry of colour.

Meanwhile, cotton dyed with an iron bath and printed with onion skin, guava leaves, and wild leaves from Madi, Chitwan, resulting in a golden-brown colour that evokes a sense of warmth similar to being embraced by nature.

Gurung reflected, 'As Nepali, we carry the duty to protect our nature. We must acknowledge the gifts nature gives us, from medicine to food, and embrace sustainable living to give back for its kindness.'

Multivisual artist Cinzia from Italy presents, From Zero to Sunya, an exhibition that transcends mere visual art to become a philosophical odyssey.

This showcase compels visitors to think about the profound concept of Sunya, a Sanskrit term denoting emptiness or void. Cinzia's masterful use of space and a minimalist aesthetic invite onlookers to seek meaning within the absence, echoing the contemplative traditions of both eastern and western thought.

Over 100 artworks - including jewellery, sculptures, installations, and photographs - employ diverse materials like brass, copper, steel, springs, and coils, filling the first floor of the gallery with a tangible sense of exploration.

Cinzia herself articulated the essence of her work, as she stated, 'The space and minimalist approach challenge the audience to find meaning in the void, an endeavour that resonates deeply with both eastern and western philosophies.'

Indeed, navigating through her creations, one is enveloped by a serene peace and a refreshing novelty. The artworks, abundant with maritime elements such as shells, Caribbean Sea photos, crab-structured pieces, and driftwood, evoke a sense of renewal.

The exhibition features an array of pieces, from abstract works that leverage negative space for visual impact to tangible sculptures that prompt introspection about the physical space they inhabit. Cinzia's artistry fosters a conversation about the unseen and the significance of emptiness, urging a reassessment of our perception of the surrounding world.

For instance, a photograph of the Mediterranean Sea transports viewers to the Italian coast, where one can almost feel the sea's breeze and embrace the vastness of the horizon. Another notable sculpture, Purusha Prakriti, crafted from cardboard, newspapers, and metal mesh rescued from construction sites, depicts a woman's form in earthy tones, encircled by leaves - a representation of Sunya that evokes a profound connection to nature and the cosmos.

Cinzia said, 'In the silence of Sunya, we find the echoes of creation. My art is a dance with the void, where each step unveils the universe's hidden symphony.'

The simultaneous hosting of From Zero to Sunya and Foraging Chroma at Kala Salon is a bold statement on the fluidity of art. While these exhibitions may appear diametrically opposed, they are bound by a shared quest to comprehend our existence within the cosmos. Cinzia delves into the metaphysical, while Gurung's work revels in the physicality of our world. Together, they present a comprehensive experience that is both intellectually stimulating and aesthetically pleasing.

Sophia Pande, the founding director of The Kala Salon, reflected, 'Both showcases aim to redefine our perception of art. Cinzia's jewellery and Meena's hand-dyed shawls are wearable art forms, no less significant than traditional paintings. We at Kala Salon hope this exhibition will unlock new realms of creativity and redefine what it means to create art.'

The exhibition is on till March 24.