KATHMANDU:

In an attempt to promote cultural exchanges between the member countries, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) had organised a camp at Jaisalmer, India in January 2007. Twenty-five artists from eight countries had participated in the camp and created paintings, which are being displayed at the SAARC Secretariat, Thamel.

The two-day exhibition was inaugurated on December 18 by Vice-President Parmananda Jha. The exhibition showcases the different styles and expressions of the artists. Most of them have brought out their expressions through abstract creations where colours merge with each other giving varied visions. The two paintings from the artists of Afghanistan show a sharp contrast. Abdul Shakoor Khasrawe has portrayed a family walking through the ruins of destroyed houses caused by war, while Dr Yousof Asefi has created bright and colourful marketplace which reminds of the vibrancy before the war.

The creation of Pakistani artist Ali Raza is a creative kaleidoscope where he has created various figures with blots of colours and one can see figures like cow and even the map of India. The creation of Tshewang Tenzin is all about details is somewhat like a thanka.

All the paintings show that when it comes to art there are no borders as each piece talks about creativity and not about the country. — HNS