In a celebration of culture and spirituality, Siddhartha Art Gallery presents 'Namami Gange,' a captivating exhibition by esteemed printmaker Seema Sharma Shah. Running from February 13 to March 11, this exhibition offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in Varanasi and Nepal’s cultural and spiritual landscapes.
The heart of 'Namami Gange' lies in Shah's exploration of Varanasi, her birthplace, and a city steeped in profound spiritual significance. Shah captures the timeless essence of the Ganga River as it flows from the Himalayas, tracing the intricate tapestry of rituals, architecture, and traditions that have shaped the city for centuries.
But Shah's connection to Varanasi runs deeper than mere geography. In a powerful homage to her roots, Shah delves into her journey, particularly during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her works resonate with a sense of longing and reverence for home, capturing the dynamic energy of the city's ghats and the spiritual hunger that permeates its streets.
Accompanying the 'Namami Gange' series is Shah's 'Deity' collection, offering a captivating glimpse into the rich religious practices of Nepal. Through vibrant paintings, Shah celebrates the diverse narratives of faith and tradition that define Nepali culture, highlighting the intertwined spiritual heritage of Varanasi and Kathmandu.
Shah's artistic vision, honed over years of dedication, shines through in her use of the intricate color viscosity technique. Each piece comes to life with vibrancy and depth, serving as a testament to Shah's unwavering commitment to her craft and her profound reverence for the cultural heritage of both Varanasi and Nepal.
But 'Namami Gange' is more than just an exhibition—it's a testament to the enduring bonds of spirituality and heritage. Through her art, Shah becomes a pilgrim, documenting the art and architecture of Varanasi in chiaroscuro, immortalizing the city's divine presence amidst the stillness.
In a world increasingly dominated by digital trends, Shah's dedication to the traditional craft of printmaking stands as a beacon of tradition. Her works, ambitious and powerful in scale and vision, serve as a reminder of the resilience ingrained in both artistic expression and cultural heritage.
As visitors explore 'Namami Gange,' they are invited on a spiritual journey that transcends borders and celebrates the profound connections between Nepal's Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Amid the uncertainty, Shah's exhibition offers solace and inspiration, reminding us of the enduring power of art to uplift and unite.
The Namame Gange Series
The Namami Gange Series captures the essence of the Ganga River's journey from the Himalayas, inspired by reflections during the COVID-19 pandemic. Evoking memories of youth in Varanasi, the series portrays the ever-changing ghats that shaped the artist's journey. Each sketch reveals new details, symbolizing the river's perpetual renewal.
Through these works, a connection emerges, illustrating how the Ganga unites millions across the sub-continent. Varanasi, with its myriad ghats, stands as a cultural and spiritual hub, each ghat holding its unique significance. From ritual bathing to cremation ceremonies, the ghats pulsate with life and tradition.
Varanasi's skyline, adorned with temple pinnacles, reflects in the river's shimmering surface. Swargadwari, known as the gateway to heaven, and Manikarnika Ghat, where funeral pyres have burned for millennia, embody the city's timeless allure.
Using the color viscosity technique, the artist's etchings vividly depict Varanasi's heritage and its deep ties to the Himalayas. Through showcasing the Ganga's worship and rituals, the exhibition seeks to bridge the past and present, offering a glimpse into Varanasi's rich cultural tapestry.
Deity Series
The Deity Series by Seema Sharma Shah delves into the diverse forms of worship observed in Nepal, offering a fascinating exploration of the country's rich religious traditions.
Upon arriving in Nepal in 1995, Shah was captivated by the unique rituals and ceremonies practiced there. From morning prayers to the worship of deities like the Sun, Vishnu, and Shiva, she found herself immersed in a culture vastly different from her experiences in India. The worship of the Living Goddess Kumari left a particularly strong impression on her, inspiring her to delve deeper into the portrayal of deities in her artwork.
Shah's series reflects her encounters with various religious festivals, or Jatras, including the Samyak Jatra and Rato Machendranath Jatra. Witnessing gods and goddesses being paraded through the streets of Kathmandu sparked her imagination, leading her to explore the theme of deity worship in her works.
The artist's fascination with Buddhism also shines through in her series on the Buddha Circuit, inspired by historical portrayals of Buddha from India. Additionally, Shah pays homage to the diverse forms of Ganesh and Hanuman worship observed across Kathmandu, drawing inspiration from the city's temples and religious icons.
Using the color viscosity technique, Shah meticulously creates prints that blend traditional etching methods with acrylic and metallic colors. Her intricate works, printed on 300 gm Canson paper, showcase her dedication to portraying the spiritual essence of Nepal's religious heritage.
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