Amid melodies and discipline, abstract art often remains elusive for many viewers. It is said that understanding abstraction requires deep visualization and effort to truly connect with its essence. One artist dedicated to this journey is Sagar Manandhar. Known for his long-standing exploration of abstraction, his work consistently centers on the interplay of colors and their harmonious fusion. This time, Manandhar presents his latest works, Visual Melodies, in an exhibition at Gallery Mcube, running from December 3 to 12, 2024.
The visual representation of the sublime comes alive through colors. On the canvas, these colors possess their own unique aesthetic. For Sagar Manandhar, his creative process begins at 8 PM. Sometimes, he works through the night, though he usually wraps up around 2 AM. The following evening, at around 8 PM, he revisits his painting. From that point, he continues adding colors, reshaping forms, and engaging with his canvas—talking to it, experimenting, and letting his creativity flow anew.
This has been his daily routine for a long time, balancing his roles as a Assistance professor of fine arts at Kathmandu University, a devoted father to his beautiful daughter, and the torchbearer of the legacy of the renowned semi-abstract artist Kiran Manandhar.
When discussing the exhibition, artist Sagar Manandhar offers a unique perspective. Speaking with the Khojpatra team, he smiles and shares, “Melodies can sometimes be seen. The sounds of the night, morning, and daytime each have their distinct character. When you truly pay attention to the sounds, it begins to feel as though you can see those melodies. These melodies come alive on the canvas.”
For artist Sagar Manandhar, four colors and a mixing bowl are all it takes to bring a painting to life. He continuously blends and experiments with the colors, shaping them in ways that even he cannot always predict. His process is infused with playfulness, and the final outcome remains delightfully uncertain. The paintings reflect an intricate interplay of layers and the depth of years of artistic experience, making it nearly impossible to pinpoint the exact origin of the hues on the canvas.
Abstract artworks often pose a challenge in determining when they are truly complete. Many artists struggle with deciding where to draw the line in such creations. For Manandhar, the process involves building his work layer by layer. The decision to stop and consider a piece finished relies entirely on his intuition.
“My canvases are built with countless layers,” says Manandhar. “If you were to scratch the surface and find no layers, you could instantly tell the painting is fake.” He adds that many art enthusiasts purchase his work and find solace in it, whether during moments of joy or times of sorrow.
Manandhar recalls an incident where an art enthusiast had collected one of his paintings from a series. That particular piece became a source of joy and companionship for the collector during a time of sadness. The exhibition is currently on display at Gallery Mcube in Chakupat. If you’re an art lover or happen to be nearby, visiting Gallery Mcube during the exhibition period is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
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