A Unique Glimpse of Divinity

Princess Asha Raje Gaekwad , Trustee The Gaekwad Foundation hosted the “A Unique Glimpse of Divinity”, an art exhibition were presented by Artist Uma Shankar Shah & Dr Seema Sharma Shah at Lalit Kala Academy on 3rd September. Dr. Karan Singh Has inaugurated the exhibition and lit the ceremonial lamp.
Artist Uma Shankar Shah is a well-known Artist. “Maithili” Art is a traditional artform native to the historic Kingdom of Mithila, also known as, Janakpur, located in the South-East Terai region of Nepal. This is the birth place of Sita, who is even known as Janaki and Maithili. 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 meticulously uses the abstract symbols, motifs, brilliant colours and bold lines which are characteristic of Maithili paintings. The side profile, linear portraits of deities and disciples, auspicious animals like fish, bull, elephant, peacock and various religious motifs, like garland, palanquin, “dhanush (bow)”, diya, are found in abundance in his compositions as he narrates the story of Ramayan.
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.
ARTIST DR SEEMA SHARMA SHAH: Seema’s works constitutes a unique micro-cosm a religious harmony between the main spiritual Practices of Nepal – Hinduism and Mahayana Buddhism, manifested in diverse iconic imagesfrom 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 juxta position of colours. She has mastered the innovative multi coloured print making technique known as “viscosity print making” which incorporates the principles of both relief print making and intaglio. 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.
The exhibition will continue till the 9th September 2012, daily 11 am to 7 pm @ Lalit Kala Academy, Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi.

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By: S.Sarvesh