Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu:

On February 11, Govinda Azad, a Nepali artist crusading the need for peace in the 21st century through his paintings left for Bangladesh. Bangladesh was the third country on his South Asian tour. After having toured the country, painted his impressions and held an exhibition, he has returned to Nepal.

“I wanted it to be an exchange exhibition,” states Azad. “I took 19 paintings with me of landscapes of Nepal and some surrealistic works. I painted 20 in Bangladesh.” The artist went through Chittagong, Cox Bazaar, St Martin’s Island, Sylhet, Sonar Gaon, Jaflang and more. As he travelled, he painted and soon had a collection.

“I would take walks and the culture and landscape is so rich. It is their theme and identity I think. I loved the Bangladeshi seaside, it is different,” he continues. Azad was enchanted with St Martin’s island, which can be covered in three hours by ship. “It is beautiful with lush palm trees and an inspiring quietness. The island is like a pearl in the midst of the clearest of blue waters,” he adds.

The young artists in Bangladesh showed much enthusiasm and interest in visiting Nepal for art exchange, says Azad. The Nepali students in Bangladesh also welcomed his efforts. Bangladesh has a very productive art scene and the young generation have a free, realistic and independent streak. The Dhaka Biennale is an international event that has put Bangladesh on the art map.

Bhagirath Basnet, the Nepali ambassador to Bangladesh on April 5, inaugurated Azad’s exhibition at the National Fine Arts Academy. The exhibition ended on April 9. Now, that he is back, Azad expresses his exhilaration at its success. By 2005, he plans to finish his painting journey through South Asia. But before he embarks on another conquest, he must make for Germany where the World Congress for Culture and Peace has invited him to share his experiences.