Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, February 11

His paintings reflect the age of peace as a paradox — terror, fear, war, violence. They are the expression of one artist, the unspoken feelings of a thousand. Govinda Prasad Sah, or ‘Azad’ as he calls himself, draws the realistic through surrealism; painting is his medium of communication as he declares, “21st century is the century of art and peace.”

On February 11, he left for Bangladesh to continue his South Asia tour to spread the message of peace, its immediate need and exchange art. He will be staying there for two months during which time, Azad will be studying the culture there and painting his impressions. These along with the collection of works he will be taking from Nepal will be exhibited. “A cultural exchange that will focus on peace, I hope to be able to spread awareness of the role of art in this age,” says the artist.

Azad began his South Asian tour in August 2002 with his visit to India. After he returns from Bangladesh, next on his agenda are Sri Lanka, Maldives and Bhutan. By 2005, he hopes to have made quite a collection, which will be exhibited in Nepal. Azad began crusading art for peace in Nepal in 2000 with his solo cycle tour. He cycled from Mechi to Mahakali with his canvas and paint, stopping at places to draw what he saw. “Nepal is so beautiful. Even cycling was not enough, walking would have been so fulfilling. Nepal is so peaceful and loving despite all that is going on. That’s what I saw — nature — the rain, fog, flowers and smiles that strangers shared with you. I came back knowing that Nepal is one big family.”

Azad says that he began his mission in using art for peace when he saw that the people were inspired more by violence than peace. “Even here in Nepal where Buddha was born.” he exclaims. “In the name of religion, people have given up all reason to hope. Art has led people through the ages.”