Since time immemorial, art has spoken to the human heart-quietly inspiring, gently informing, and deeply entertaining us. Across generations, it has carried stories, emotions, and wisdom beyond words. In this spirit, the halls of Siddhartha Art Gallery at Babar Mahal come alive once again, hosting a compelling exhibition by the celebrated Mithila artist, S.C. Suman, inviting viewers to feel, reflect, and connect. The exhibition began on 9th of December.
Continuing this intimate dialogue between art and the viewer, S.C. Suman presents his seventh solo exhibition, drawing deeply from the myths and timeless stories of Hindu scriptures. His works, rich with delicate lines and vibrant color palettes, immediately evoke the essence of Madhubani art practiced across the Indian subcontinent. When asked about the origins of these traditions, the veteran artist responds with a gentle smile, acknowledging their shared roots in the Terai region and parts of India. While Nepal may lack extensive documentation to proudly claim its legacy, Suman invites us to look closer-where subtle distinctions emerge through unique line patterns and color choices, quietly asserting their own identity.
Looking even deeper into his canvas, the soul of S.C. Suman’s inspiration unfolds through the ancient verses of the Ramayana, one of Hinduism’s most revered scriptures. His paintings tenderly capture sacred moments-the birth of Sita, her divine marriage, and the joyous arrival of Lord Krishna-each scene breathing life into age-old devotion. Words from the scriptures quietly accompany the visuals, patiently inscribed alongside the imagery, as if unwilling to be separated from the stories they tell. Dominated by deep blues and radiant yellows, his palette speaks of endurance and devotion, reflecting the boundless patience and unwavering commitment of an artist who has journeyed through more than three and a half decades of creative practice.
Amid these sacred narratives, a recurring presence quietly anchors Suman’s compositions-a tree encircled at the very heart of his paintings. More than a visual element, it reflects the artist’s deep intimacy with nature, as if the canvas itself is breathing. He identifies this central form as the Kalpabrikshya, the mythical wish-fulfilling tree described in ancient texts, revered for its power to nurture and sustain life. Through this living symbol, Suman reminds us that all stories divine or human-ultimately return to the source of life itself.
Another captivating piece in his collection is the painting of the ‘Sahales’-a flower said to bloom only on the day of the New Year. Its delicate white petals, fleeting and rare, mirror the transient beauty of life itself. In the Terai region, this day is celebrated with great joy and festivity, and Suman masterfully captures this vibrant celebration on his canvas, allowing viewers to feel the magic and anticipation that accompany the flower’s brief, enchanting bloom.
In the upper section of the gallery, Suman presents his own interpretations of Swoyambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath, each rendered with the unmistakable flavor of Mithila art. The sacred monuments come alive under his brush, radiating both spiritual energy and artistic devotion. This exhibition is truly a “do not miss” experience – not only for the beauty of the works themselves but also for the rare opportunity to witness the journey of the artist, to feel his passion, and perhaps even to engage with the ever-creative and enthusiastic S.C. Suman in person, who continues to breathe life into stories, colors, and traditions with every stroke. The exhibition will be there till 10th of January
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