On the second floor of the Nepal Art Council in Babarmahal, artist Sushma Rajbhandari is currently hosting her 19th solo exhibition. Her exhibition features a collection of abstract and semi-abstract renditions of Lord Ganesh, which adorn the walls of the council. Sushma Rajbhandari, the perpetually cheerful artist, warmly welcomes her visitors with a smile and enthusiastically discusses her artistic creations. The colors she employs in her artworks exhibit a distinct and individualistic style, adding to the uniqueness of her pieces.
With over three decades of experience in the art world, Sushma Rajbhandari has made significant contributions to the field. She was a distinguished member of the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts and embarked on journeys to Japan, Thailand, Russia, and the Philippines to enrich the global art scene. She credits her mentors, such as Batsa Gopal Baidhya and Govinda Lal Singh Dangol, for shaping her artistic journey.
Throughout her extensive career spanning more than three decades, her artworks have found a place in international museums. She says, ‘my art works are in the permanent collection of Orenburg Regional Museum of Fine Arts in Russia and China’s FTZ Museum.’ During her initial studies, there were no Master’s degree programs in Fine Arts, but when they became available, she pursued a Master’s degree and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in the field.
In the recently published book titled ‘Sushma Rajbhandari’s Paintings, Myths, Mysticism, and Reality’ authored by Dr. Yam Prasad Sharma, it is highlighted that the artist has experienced a significant evolution in her artistic styles. Initially, she practiced Paubha art, but over time, her artworks gradually transformed into semi-abstract forms, where the essence of the subject is conveyed with minimal details. When asked about her shift towards abstract forms, she explains, “I still have a deep fondness for landscapes and intricate paintings, but while traveling abroad, I observed that many international artists and art enthusiasts were more inclined toward abstract works. This prompted me to explore abstract forms.”
The book is available for purchase at the exhibition itself, allowing art enthusiasts to delve deeper into Sushma Rajbhandari’s artistic journey and insights.
Engaging in a conversation with the artist is quite intriguing, as she can vividly recall the collectors of every single artwork she has created. With enthusiasm, she remarks, “My artworks hold a special place in my heart, much like children to a mother. Just as a mother should know where her children are, it’s essential for me to keep track of my art’s journey.”
Upon closely examining the exhibited paintings, it becomes evident that the predominant subject matter in her artwork is Lord Ganesh. She has extensively explored various locations in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur to conduct research on Ganesh, and her emotions and impressions of the elephant-headed deity are vividly depicted in her paintings.
When the Khojpatra team inquired about the abundance of Ganesh in her artwork, she responded, “Since my childhood, my mother would advise me to visit a Ganesh temple whenever I forgot something, and this guidance has become deeply ingrained in my subconscious mind. Therefore, these paintings are a reflection of my deep affection for Lord Ganesh.”
While she was in Thailand, she had chance to do a painting in a workshop where the male and female monks meditated separately in a cave-like area. She was really impressed with the idea and has portrayed the image in her own semi-abstract style in her painting.
In another of the painting, she has also portrayed the process of religious practice of Indra Jatra where the parents of Indra are also called upon and are roamed around in a bamboo bed. Thus the culture unknown to many can also be viewed in her paintings.
This exhibition marks her 19th solo showcase, titled ‘My Journey,’ commencing on the 31st of October and scheduled to run until the 4th of November. The artist is personally available in the gallery throughout the exhibition, offering visitors the opportunity to engage in direct conversations with her.
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