Celebration time at Gallery 9

KATHMANDU:

An exhibition of paintings by 22 artists is underway at the Gallery Nine, Lazimpat. The exhibition comes as part of the gallery’s fourth anniversary celebrations.

Inaugurated by Padma Ratna Tuladhar on May 3, the paintings are based on the artists’ perception of cow as the national animal of Nepal. Those putting up their works on display include Shashikala Tiwari, Shashi Shah, Uttam Nepali, Jupiter Pradhan, Kanchha Kumar Karmacharya, Erina Tamrakar, Sunita Rana, among others.

The artists, many as they are, have used various mediums, including acrylic on paper, canvass, wood and glass, digital prints, watercolour and charcoal on paper, pen and ink on paper, and mixed media. Most of them have identified the cow with female force — some being exploited by bestial males, some pouring out motherly love, while some also bestowing blessings as goddess, among others. The teat of cow has also been used to show women’s tenderness and vulnerability.

An English literature reading had also been organised, which was participated by Manjushree Thapa, Sanjeev Upreti, Sushma Joshi, and Wayne Amtzis. The programme was well attended by over 50 people. A poetry recital by Bimala Tumkheba and Shrawan Mukarung followed by a classical music performance by Sarita Mishra and her young ensemble were also organised.

The exhibition is on till May 31.