‘A Unique Glimpse of Divinity’: Delhi treated to an extraordinary art exhibition

Ananya Bhattacharya

Delhi: ‘A Unique Glimpse of Divinity’, an art exhibition hosted by Princess Asha Raje Gaekwad (Trustee, The Gaekwad Foundation), opened recently in the capital. Lalit Kala Academy was graced by the presence of many of the who’s who of the contemporary art world, and the exhibition saw Dr Karan Singh lighting the inaugural lamp. The ongoing exhibition showcases creations by the renowned artists Uma Shankar Shah and Dr Seema Sharma Shah. “Maithili” Art is a traditional art form native to the historic Kingdom of Mithila, also known as Janakpur, located in the South-East Terai region of Nepal. This ancient art is traditionally created during festivals and religious ceremonies by native women on walls and floors or on handmade paper, known as “lokta” using natural colours such as green vegetables, flowers, vermillion powder and soot from oil lamps mixed with cow milk or dung. Uma Shankar Shah, who hails from Janakpur, Nepal has captured the very essence of his hometown by creating this present series of art works based on the epic of “Ramayan” inspired by Maithili Art. He has transformed this traditional art into a contemporary extravaganza. He has meticulously used the abstract symbols, motifs, brilliant colours and bold lines which are characteristic of Maithili paintings. Uma Shankar Shah, Ex-Vice Chancellor of Nepal Academy of Fine Arts was born in 1965 and completed his degree in M.F.A Print Making (Painting) from Banaras Hindu University, India. His phenomenal rise from a humble beginning to an artist of great distinction is a true recognition of his struggles and achievements as an artist. Dr Seema Sharma Shah’s works constitutes a unique microcosm: a religious harmony between the main spiritual Practices of Nepal – Hinduism and Mahayana Buddhism, manifested in diverse iconic images from both the faiths, complemented by the medieval embellishments and motifs. Despite having an immensely rich play of intricate and diverse shapes, forms, her works are equally enriched by the well matched juxtaposition of colours. In the present series, she has chosen to depict Dashavatar, Durga, Ganesh and Buddha all inspired by the thousands of idols, temples and monasteries scattered around in Kathmandu city. Dr Seema Sharma Shah was born in 1966 and completed her Ph.D. in Printmaking from Banaras Hindu University, India. Dr Seema Sharma Shah is considered one of the finest contemporary print makers in South-east Asia. ‘A Unique Glimpse of Divinity’ will continue till September 9, from 11AM to 7PM daily at the Lalit Kala Academy, Rabindra Bhavan, Delhi. Follow @nanya116