Drawn on divine inspiration, colorful Mithila art has its own character

In human civilization, painting and art play very important roles in identifying various stages of their evolution. Along with stone, metal and wood sculpture, the paintings also inherit certain traits of evolution.

Divided in three different geographical zones mountains, hill and plain, various ethnic groups living in all these areas in Nepal have their own style of paintings and arts. The uses of color as well as imagination are guided by their own surroundings.

Although nature, surroundings and human culture are different, one of basic similarities among them is the inspiration they get for their work. For instance, the artists and painters living in the Himalayan region get inspiration from Mahayana Buddhism. However, the painters and artist from plain areas get inspiration from Hinduism.

Since the predominant inhabitants of the plain areas are Hindus; it is natural for them to look on Hindu epics and gods related to their culture and religion. Known as a birth place of Sita, consort of lord Rama, Mithila paintings draw inspiration from Rama's life.  Mithila art also includes other themes. These are what one can see in Mithila Art Exhibition in Siddhartha Art Gallery. Combination of varieties of color is one of the interesting things to see.

Inaugurated by country director of World Food Program Richard Ragan, the exhibition entitled Mithila Cosmos has over 35 paintings of SC Suman who painted these paintings during the last few years.

A student of science from Biratnagar, Suman has learnt the skill of painting Mithila art from his family members particularly his grandmother. "I was taught by my grand mother the way to paint," he said. In all his 35 paintings, artist Suman retains basic ingredients of Mithila art.

Most of the figure presented in the paintings is either related to nature or religious importance.

As a young artist, Suman also tries to break tradition as he paints on various issues including cultural part, terai's important festivals and nature. From human love to culture of terai, Suma paints all the different aspects. In his paintings one can see his inner feelings regarding the religion as most of the paintings are dedicated to Hindu gods.

Along with traditional color, artist Suman uses natural pigment, mixed media and acrylic on silk.

Till a few years ago, Mithila paintings were confined to the traditional religious festivals as they are drawn mostly on the time of festivals and other rituals like marriage. Thanks to the effort of various non-governmental organizations and initiation of local population, the Mithila art is popularized in the countrywide as well as internationally.

This is the reason the young person like Suman is also attracted to this field. The art and culture is not only the heritage of particular community but is also heritage of the country. Artists like Suman must be encouraged to involve in such creativity.

Nepal is one of the few countries in the world, which has such kind of diversity in terms of ethnicity, geography, culture, biology and environment. This diversity in geography is also reflected in diversity in art and craft. Source:Spotlight.