Manisha Sah and Modern Echoes of Mithila Tradition
Creative exploration in Nepali folk art is becoming the defining identity of artist Manisha Sah. With a Master’s degree in Creative Art from Nepal Lalitkala Campus, she has been moving forward by following the land, emotions, and environment of the Tarai in her art.
Based on that same environment, her first solo exhibition of paintings, titled “Modern Echoes of Mithila Tradition,” has opened at Kathmandu Art House in Thamel, Kathmandu, from Saturday.
Roots in Mithila Culture
Born in Sarlahi and raised in Janakpur, artist Manisha herself represents Mithila culture. Having grown up within Mithila traditions, culture, and environment, she is conceptually active in presenting creative artworks that follow the Mithila art style.
Mithila art is generally regarded as a form of art traditionally created by rural women. However, within those same theoretical settings of Mithila art, artist Sah has displayed 32 artworks in this exhibition.
Presenting Mithila Art on Diverse Platforms
Artist Sah enjoys presenting Mithila art on various platforms. She has tried to bring Mithila art into clothing and daily consumable items as well.
She understands it as her responsibility to encourage the younger generation who are trying to preserve traditional methods of art-making. Rather than viewing art as a pastime, a way to use free time, or a form of waste, Manisha is trying to accept art practice as a profession. In her work, Mithila culture is especially evident.
She has followed peacock and female series using acrylic and oil colors.
Three Series of Paintings in the Exhibition
Artist Sah has presented three series of paintings in this exhibition.
In the first series, she explores Mithila marriage culture, rituals, festivals, and the finer cultural aspects within them through her paintings. In this, the combination of colors and the fine work of Mithila line drawing appear to be moving her artistic practice toward maturity.
The eagerness of the bride at the wedding, the welcome into a new home, and the feeling of a new journey have been presented with the help of bright and luminous colors.
Mithilani Women and Everyday Life
The second series covers the lives of Mithilani women and themes related to their daily routines.
Peacock Imagery and Perspectives on Beauty
In the third series, she has tried to connect the perspective of beauty with female beauty. In this series, she has presented the peacock.
The peacock series in this exhibition is particularly engaging.
Integration of Art, Music, and Space
Seeking a balance between creativity and technology in her art, artist Sah has also managed to combine the gentle tunes of Mithila music within the exhibition space.
This has helped draw viewers into the artworks through the melodies of Mithila music as well.
Training, Community Work, and Exhibition Duration
Artist Sah is also active in activities such as training in Mithila art and painting Mithila images on walls.
It has been stated that this exhibition will continue until Mangsir 3.
Exhibition