Colours of concrete
KATHMANDU, MAR 02 – R N Joshi Center for Fine Art founded by late R N Joshi in 1970, has provided, over the years, a unique platform to learn, share, and experience contemporary art. Also known as Park gallery, the centre has conducted art classes and workshops, created an art centre, and organised art exhibitions, a recent one being ‘Disguised harmony 2’ featuring the visual artist Bijaya Maharjan.
The exhibition is a second solo attempt of Maharjan, a graduate in painting from Kathmandu University, who has showcased his works in several workshops before. His acrylic paintings depict the irregular shapes of buildings that populate the streets and alleys of Kathmandu City. Maharjan’s paintings are monochromatic where buildings are outlined against the sky.
“While looking up at the sky, I observe the lines and shapes of concrete buildings that form the cityscape of Kathmandu; looking on, the details disappear and what I have left with me is the simple separation of the positive and negative spaces,” said the artist when asked about the theme of his exhibition. “The space, the sky and the buildings combine to form an appealing aesthetic of their own,” he said.
Maharjan also calls his exhibition ‘The White Series’ as his balanced application of textured white paints saturate all other colours. “White is the only colour capable of harmonising with all the others. Here, white, an entity on its own, is the core factor that shapes my paintings,” he said.
The exhibition was attended by senior artist Puran Khadka from Nepal Academy of fine arts, who commented that the space division in Maharjan’s painting was unique and innovative. Khadka particularly appreciated Mr.Bijaya’s play of colour and lights. He said they were sober and well-matched with the theme.
Maharjan’s exhibition called for attention towards art and appreciation of aesthetic beauty. His paintings, post cards, badges and brochures which depicted the cityscape particularly called for time away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
The exhibition was informally inaugurated on Feb. 27 and will be on till March 11.
Gallery Hours: 10:30 am to 5:30 pm, Sunday to Friday
