Producing art is a nuanced means of conveying the thoughts within your mind. Sometimes, these expressions manifest vividly, while at other times, they can be communicated in a manner where a solitary painting encapsulates the entire narrative, devoid of the artist’s physical presence. When discussing such forms of expression, the name Umesh Shrestha also emerges in the spotlight.
Thirty years ago, as a teenager, he ventured from Dolakha to Kathmandu with grand aspirations of making a name for himself. At the time, he was uncertain about what that “somebody” would be. The journey from one of Dolakha’s most remote villages to Kathmandu was a tale in its own right. During his studies in the city, he discovered that art was offered at Lalitkala College of Arts. Neither his parents nor he knew what studying art would lead to. Gradually, he achieved his degree in Fine Arts.
He commenced honing his artistic skills. Over the following three decades, his creations and reputation gained international recognition. Numerous art collectors avidly sought after his pieces. As time passed, he embarked on journeys to various foreign lands, where he encountered diverse forms and styles of artistic expression.
Umesh found his central themes in nature, bells, and themes related to insurgencies while creating his artwork. Many art collectors praised his talent, particularly appreciating his focus on cultural elements. An intriguing detail was the placement of bells, consistently turned towards the right side of his paintings. When asked about this choice, Umesh explained that it stemmed from his right-handedness.
An exhibition of Umesh’s work, titled ‘Mundane Friction to Self Flow,’ is currently on display at the Siddhartha Art Gallery since September 8th. The intensity and depth of his paintings have piqued the curiosity of both fellow artists and art enthusiasts. Some artists, like Manish Lal Shrestha and Shreejan Raj Bhandari, have also incorporated the theme of bells into their own work. The interpretation of the theme varies greatly among artists, and cultural elements like bells are not confined to any specific creator. They represent a universal concept, open for anyone to incorporate into their artwork. In Umesh’s paintings, a distinctive quality emerges in the form of serene compositions executed with meticulous care. The base of his paintings often features an orange hue, a nod to his hometown in Dolakha, where homes were traditionally adorned with walls of red mud. Positioned above the bells are ladders and chessboards, symbolic of the utopian ideals that society should strive toward.
A gallery visitor, Mr. Subin Pathak, remarked, “I’ve been exposed to a multitude of artworks over the years. However, this exhibition stands out as truly unique. Even the ‘still life’ paintings by this artist are captivating. I was particularly astounded by the intricacy of the inscription on the bell. It appeared three-dimensional to me, a skill that would challenge someone with limited abilities.”
The ground floor exhibition features intriguing ‘struts’ (torans) where the artist skillfully manipulated colors, imparting a rustic charm. Some paintings employ a technique where colors appear as if poured onto the canvas, creating a distinct visual effect. The ‘Mane’ (Buddhist prayer wheels) showcase distinctive color patterns, and the inscriptions on them possess a striking 3D quality. The abundance of orange hues appears as if they were directly poured from the tube, lending a unique aura to the pieces.
Mr. Shrestha has ventured into unconventional territory by incorporating an old computer motherboard at the center of the canvas, with a bell positioned above it, its handle facing to the right. When questioned about the symbolism within the painting, he explained that his formative years were spent in a village where most floors were painted in shades of orange. In the artwork, the motherboard signifies the core, while the bell above, angled to the right, represents a nostalgic element from his upbringing.
Overall, the gallery encapsulates Mr. Shrestha’s entire artistic journey. It showcases his creations spanning from 1992 to 2023, encompassing landscapes, portraits, still life pieces, and conceptual works. The exhibition will run until September 29th, providing art enthusiasts the opportunity to explore these pieces and engage in conversations with the artist during gallery hours.
Leave A Comment