KATHMANDU: Anything beautiful holds the power to draw others’ attention. People who see such beautiful things get mental relaxation and are inspired to do something new in their life.

And attracted by the beauty of the Bagmati River, artist Hari Nepali has put forth his second solo painting exhibition ‘Beautiful views from Bagmati riverside’. The exhibition began on August 25 and ended on September 3 at J Art Gallery, Thahity.

It took him 18 months to complete the paintings that he created while visiting the areas through which the River flows. Nepali started his journey from Baghdwar, heading to Sundarijal, Gokarna, Bouddha, Pashupati, Sinamangal, Chobhar, Khokana and Bungamati. And he created the beautiful paintings depicting vegetation, greenery, cultural sites along with the cityscape.

His realistic paintings are stunning. In one of the paintings, he has captured the Bagmati River flowing along Pashupati Aryaghat in the day time where the sky is clear and blue. The religious site looks captivating in the day light. The roofs are painted in a mix of red and orange and the dead bodies are being burned while the grey smoke lingers around.

He has captured the Pashupati area in another painting as well, but during the night time. The artist has used the colour combination of white, blue, and black to create the stunning image — the powerful painting inspires you to visit Pashupati area in the night time.

“The water is clean in the area from Baghdwar to Pashupati and walking or being at these areas makes you feel that you don’t have to go anywhere else to experience heaven. The place is calm, tranquil and clean,” the artist shared about the beautiful River.

But it was not only the beauty that he saw during his visits to these areas. “While travelling through various areas where the Bagmati flows, I experienced heaven and hell along the way,” shared the artist, further pointing out, “After the Pashupati area, the River’s water is murky, and polluted with pungent smell till Bungamati, that gives the hint of hell.”

However, you won’t get to see the ugly side of the River in his works — all the paintings have depicted the beautiful traits of the Bagmati.

The exhibition featured around 60 paintings and according to Nepali 15 per cent of proceeds will be donated to an organisation working for the welfare of mentally ill people.