KATHMANDU: Optimism and positivity get space in ‘Fragrance of Life’, a solo painting exhibition by artist Namrata Singh, that kicked off on January 17 at Park Gallery, Pulchowk.

In her first solo exhibition, Singh has showcased happiness of life within self using Mithila Art inspired motifs — men, women, lotus, swan and more. Meanwhile, she is not away from life’s reality where hardship, struggle, and sadness are inevitable.

Among her 22 paintings on display, she has used acrylic on canvas in ‘Self Admiration’ to create a beautiful woman. The woman is seen accentuating her beauty by trying to wear a lotus bud on her head looking in a mirror. The contrast colours red and blue have been used beautifully — the face and hands are painted in blue and she is wearing a red bindi, red lipstick, and red bangles. Red leaves are painted on the background.

The faces of men and women in her works are in Mithila style but with a twist. Mithila works usually highlight side profile of human faces where it seems they are looking sideways. Singh has continued this trend in her works, but the difference is — faces seem to look in the front, rather than painting only side profile she has painted the entire face, but one side of the face coloured in black. The use of black gives an effect of shadow reminding us the existence of sadness.

About her works , ingh expressed, “I have expressed my feelings through the medium of art while channelising positive thoughts through the medium of vibrant colours and expression. I used motifs of Mithila as they are a way of spreading blessings and in the difficult current scenario of our country, we need more blessings for our well-being.”

The exhibition is on till March 21.