Art has served as a means of expression for countless artists throughout history. They employ various mediums to convey their ideas, resulting in artworks that are highly regarded and appreciated within both the artistic community and beyond. One notable individual who exemplifies this creative spirit is Mr. Chiranjivi Bhatta, a skilled artist and the founder and director of Thamel’s Art Hotel. Drawing upon his background in the garment industry and his passion for art, Mr. Bhatta infused his artistic expertise into the design of dresses. Over time, he embarked on the ambitious endeavor of constructing a hotel that would reflect his artistic vision, aptly naming it the Hotel Art.
Upon the hotel’s completion, Mr. Bhatta set his sights on promoting national and international art by providing it with a dedicated space within the hotel’s lobbies. Recently, he established an underground gallery within the hotel to bring his vision to life. This gallery aims to showcase art to the numerous national and international guests who visit the hotel, thereby fostering cultural exchange and appreciation. Through his efforts, Mr. Bhatta strives to create a platform where art can flourish and captivate audiences from diverse backgrounds. The exhibition was inaugurated Sujata Koirala, the former Deputy Minister and the Director of GP Koirala Foundation.
Currently, an intriguing exhibition titled ‘World Heritage Art Festival-23’ is being held at the gallery. The event commenced on May 23rd and is set to run for the next six days. The exhibition is a collaborative effort between the GP Koirala Foundation of Nepal and the Art Pivot organization of India. It showcases a well-balanced collection of artworks by esteemed Nepalese artists, including Kiran Manandhar, Radheshyam Mulmi, Krishna Manandhar, Gautam Ratna Bajracharya, Chiranjivi Bhatta, Shyam Sundar Yadav, Mahesh Acharya, and other International artists from India, Austria, Thailand, Philipinnes, UAE and Turkey.
Shyam Sundar Yadav, the director of the Mithila Yain Art Gallery and also the director of the Art and Culture Department of the GP Foundation, is thrilled about the exchange programs associated with the exhibition. He sees this as an opportunity to present Nepal’s vibrant art scene to international artists while also learning from their experiences. Yadav expresses his dedication to creating a platform for global artists, emphasizing the importance of allowing artists to immerse themselves in new environments and gain firsthand insights that can fuel their creativity in the future. ‘The ‘World Heritage Art Festival-23′ not only celebrates the rich artistic heritage of Nepal but also fosters meaningful cultural exchanges, promoting artistic growth and innovation on a global scale,’ Mr. Yadav says during the interaction.
Renowned as one of Nepal’s prominent senior artists, Radhe Shyam Mulmi possesses a distinct artistic style characterized by unique patterns. He is known for his inclination towards experimenting with diverse shapes and figures, which has garnered him popularity among both national and international art enthusiasts. In the current exhibition, Mulmi’s artwork captures a subject playing the traditional Nepali musical instrument, the ‘Sarangi.’ The composition showcases Mulmi’s expertise in utilizing fluidity and vibrant colors, resulting in captivating patterns that are truly exceptional within this exhibition.
Likewise, artist Krishna Manandhar is celebrated for his exceptional use of color palettes. In this exhibition, his artwork from the captivating ‘overlapping’ series takes center stage. Recognized as a master artist, Mr. Manandhar skillfully infuses fluidity into his color combinations, showcasing his profound expertise and impeccable artistic flair. His paintings offer a magnificent glimpse into his mastery of the craft, leaving viewers in awe of his remarkable talent.
Artist Mahesh Acharya has also been experimenting with various landscapes and the playfulness of his colors can be seen in the temples around the Kathmandu valley. Known for his wonderful strokes and playfulness, this artists has come a long way in his artistic career.
Mr. Rajesh Yadav, the director of Art-Pivot India, possesses a creative spirit that extends beyond the confines of canvas. As a celebrated artist in India, he finds joy in working on grand murals and exploring different objects to bring a dimensional perspective to his artworks. Hailing from the Udaipur region of India, he also imparts his knowledge of various artistic dimensions to his students. In a remarkable endeavor, he has brought some of his art students to Nepal, providing them with an opportunity to expand their artistic horizons and find inspiration in their creative journeys.
“I often work on larger-scale art pieces, and the painting you see in this exhibition is not my signature style,” explains the artist. He believes that in art, elephants are not bound to being gray or white; their colors and sizes can change according to the demands of the painting. For him, as long as creativity thrives, the purpose of art is fulfilled. Mr. Yadav’s versatility and dedication to nurturing artistic talent exemplify his passion for pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.
Dr. Chitra Sen, an esteemed Indian artist, has skillfully depicted an elephant and Nepal’s national bird, the Himalayan Monal, in a highly artistic manner. This captivating painting, rendered in various shades of gray, showcases a unique texture that adds depth to the artwork. Through this creation, Dr. Sen emphasizes the harmonious bond between Nepal and India, symbolized by the imagery portrayed on the canvas. The painting serves as a testament to the shared cultural connections and mutual appreciation between the two nations.
Anita Kubal, an artist from Goa, has captured the essence of the houses found in the Goa region through her distinct artistic style. With a unique color palette, she breathes life into her depictions of these traditional houses. Utilizing acrylic directly on the canvas, Kubal appreciates the inherent plasticity of the medium, enabling her to manipulate the colors and unveil a secret technique that imbues them with a soothing tone. While the houses she portrays are familiar sights in the daily lives of the audience, Kubal infuses them with an enchanting aura that enhances their graceful presence and transforms them into captivating works of art.
Dr. Raghunath Sharma, another talented artist from India, presents his artwork that beautifully combines elements of both abstract and figurative styles. His painting portrays a scenic road with subtle hints of abstraction incorporated throughout. According to the artist, life itself is a delicate balance between abstract and semi-abstract aspects. Thus, his artistic expression reflects this middle path, mirroring the intricacies and nuances he encounters in his own life. Dr. Sharma’s creativity not only captures the physical world but also delves into the realms of abstraction, creating a thought-provoking and visually captivating experience for the viewers.
Dr. Raghunath Sharma, yet another Indian artist has showcased his artwork where there is an interjection of abstract and figurative work. In his painting a scene of a road is being shown with some traces of abstract in some ways. ‘After all, life is also about balancing the abstract and semi-abstract things. So this is a middle-path of my expression, like I do have in my life,’ the senior artist further explains about his creativity.
Melek Gunbey Guler, a talented Turkish artist, is known for her exploration of various styles and mediums to express herself. Her creative endeavors often revolve around feminine emotions and her deep appreciation for flowers. As a seasoned artist, she occasionally experiments with wool as a medium and at other times unleashes her creativity on canvas. In this exhibition, she presents a captivating depiction of a lady figure, showcasing her artistic prowess in a remarkable manner.
On the other hand, Christine Cezanne Thauss, an artist and art historian hailing from Austria, focuses predominantly on portraying women’s issues in her paintings. A master artist in pen and ink, Thauss captivates viewers with her bold brushstrokes and playful use of colors. Her artwork possesses the power to mesmerize the audience, leaving them in awe of her artistic brilliance for a fleeting moment. With her profound understanding of art history and her skillful execution, Thauss brings forth thought-provoking visual narratives that resonate deeply with viewers.
Aritst from Thailand Pongpan Chantanamattha has created his first hand experience of Nepali market of Asan in his canvas where as yet another artist Arthur D. Lozane from Philippines has also created buildings of the Asan which has been in the verge of demolition and is in dire need of re-construction in his canvas.
Admission to the gallery is free for all viewers, offering an accessible opportunity to explore the showcased artworks. For additional details and inquiries, individuals are encouraged to visit the gallery situated within the Art Hotel, located in Thamel. By personally visiting the gallery, one can gather comprehensive information and indulge in the enriching experience of the exhibited artworks.
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