KATHMANDU: Figurative symbolism is the essence of Chirag Bangdel’s paintings. His paintings are “symbolic, minimalist and pleasant to sight,” said Jan Salter, a renowned international artist at the opening of an exhibition of paintings by Chirag Bangdel, on the occasion of International Women’s day at the World Bank Public Information Centre on March 8.

Inaugurated by Ken-ichi Ohasi, World Bank Country Director for Nepal, the exhibition titled ‘Surreal Serenity’ commemorated Wom-en’s Day and was attended by representatives of the World Bank.

As most of Chirag’s paintings are figurative and exploit various acrylic possibilities, the paintings displayed at the exhibition have a certain exuberance about them. Though all that we see are the images of women in various stages of disabelle, the vibrantly coloured paintings are dazzlingly attractive that can’t just escape the eye.

The feminine figures speak intense emotions and display his expertise with his oeuvre on surreal motifs. While his works have always had a spiritual touch, his fascination for our religious and folk art is only too evident in the paintings.

(The exhibition is on till March 15)