KATHMANDU: The Himalayan Art Camp was organised in Pokhara from May 3 to 13 where artists from Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, China, India and Nepal had taken part. Forty-five paintings created by these national and international artists during the camp are being exhibited at the Nepal Art Council from June 9.

The paintings range from Buddha’s eyes to woman picking apples (that are floating in the air). Be it nature or human portraiture, the acrylic paintings, and on rice paper, grab viewers’ attention first with the pictures then with the colours used.

Acrylic on canvas paintings of Gautam Buddha and Shiva wearing masks under the title ‘Portrait of Kathmandu’ is able to reflect the pollution prevalent in the Capital. It feels as if it is impossible even for the deities to tolerate pollution. Painting upon the theme of ‘Third Eye’ with women painted with an extra eye on the forehead is able to reflect women in Nepali society. They have a red tika on their forehead with jewelleries on ears. Painted in red, these women are able to reflect femininity and power. It also associates the colour red with women as a part of their life. A boy looking out from the window and a woman sitting near him reflects the theme ‘To the Far Away’. Another boy wearing a face mask reflecting ‘Anger of Machhapuchhre’ is able to depict nature’s anger.

Other paintings showcase the scenery of Pokhara. Mt Fishtail, Fewa Lake, and the greenery reflect nature’s beauty. Woman picking apples and the mountains reflect the life of people living in the Himalayan region and its nature.

A bunch of bananas and a small pencil placed in one of the spaces is able to show how nature is connected to human beings. ‘Tree of life’, where there are human portraits with the trees and leaves , shows the importance of trees and nature for human beings.

The use of dark and bright colours shed light on the themes and titles of the paintings displayed.

“We wanted to bring the concept of Himalayas in the paintings and these paintings are made under the same theme,” shared artist Asha Dangol, who is the Co-founder of Kasthamandap Art Studio and E-arts Nepal.

The exhibition is on till June 11.