Kathmandu:

He has not only been able to create a niche for himself in the Nepali art world, but in the four decades of his involvement, Shashi Shah has been able to give his own definite style to his work. He has participated in dozens of exhibitions worldwide representing Nepali art. And to celebrate this master’s immense contribution, the Siddhartha Art Gallery at Baber Mahal Revisited is holding a unique exhibition ‘Retrospective — Celebrating 40 years of Creativity’ from March 25 to April 20. About 100 of Shah’s creations — including his works as a student to some of his recent paintings — will be displayed during the exhibition.

His creations have always been a reflection of society and the issues prevalent. His ‘twisted’ characters and screaming faces are representations of reactions to injustices of society.

Shah says, “Artists the world over always reflect the incidents and happenings of society, and I am no exception.”

He professes he is influenced by the French impressionists and realists whose creations are most sought after worldwide.

Perhaps what the Nepal’s art lovers will associate Shah’s creations with most are the horses that have come to symbolise and stamp his works. More than horses just being his distinctive style, Shah said that there is a philosophy behind all the horses that dominate his work.

“There is a Hindu philosophy that whenever there is extreme chaos and injustice, an avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu comes to protect everyone. A horse is the symbol of power and action.”

Kalki (white horse) is believed to be the final avatar of Vishnu. He elaborated, “According to the myth, the chariot of the Sun god is pulled by seven horses, and even in scientific terms, there are seven colours in the spectrum.”

Of the ‘Retrospective’, Shah says, “It feels good. (Ramailo lagchha).”

For someone like Shah, who has been associated with art for most of his life, he feels the present art scenario is encouraging for new artists.

“The artists of this generation are much ahead than we were at their age. They are conscious and laborious. As more people are getting interested in art, there are more buyers as well. The future looks optimistic.” He also attributes the improvement of art sector to the galleries that have come up in the recent times in Nepal.