Kathmandu:

Heart Beat or Art Beat, it’s the same for us, says Juju Kaji Maharjan, the brains behind Heat Beat, which is a exhibition for young artists, mostly students, who will not otherwise get a chance to showcase their creativity.

At Heart Beat’s second exhibition, which opened at Tantra restaurant, Thamel on December 12, the group has put up 34 photographs by nine photographers.

“We want people to be aware of art, and we’ve chosen restaurants to hold exhibtions as we feel that more people will get to see the work of artists. Only those interested in art will visit art galleries. This is our attempt at bringing the art among the masses,” says Maharjan.

The framed photographs share spaces on the walls of the restaurant with potted plants, other artwork, but as Maharjan says they have a place of their own. From Gai Jatra to Chhath to Kumaris to a girl resting her bag on the pavement, the exhibition traverses a variety of themes.

Daniel Collins, a participating photographer from Canada says, “I joined the exhibition because I found the people here very friendly. I am new in Nepal and this has presented me a chance to meet other photographers of the City.”

Twenty per cent of the proceeds from the sale of the photographs will go towards Jyoti, the only Female Drug User Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre.

(The exhibition is on till January 12, 2007)

For a better world

KATHMANDU: The FHI and the National Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nepal (NAP+N) have jointly produced a music video to create and induce positive change in the attitude and behaviours towards PLWHA amongst general public. The video was released in the Capital on December 12.

It is believed that the music video and the song Maanish sanga maanish mile haarjeet kasko hunchha will help generate a conducive environment and sensitise people about stigma and discrimination.

Deep Shrestha, has lent his voice to this song along with other popular artistes like Deepesh Kishore Bhattrai, Nalina Chitrakar, Sugam Pokhrel, Mausami Gurung. The music has been composed by Jems Pradhan, while the lyrics have been penned by Dhanendra Bimal. — HNS